Collar Elevator Mechanism for Hands-Free Footwear Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear articles require manual adjustments and manipulation of the ankle collar when putting them on, which can be inconvenient and may lead to structural breakdown over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a collar elevator mechanism that moves the ankle collar from a lowered state to a raised state without manual intervention, using a deformable element with lever arms and a center connecting band to store and release potential energy, allowing the shoe to be slipped on easily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the ankle collar is required when putting on footwear, then the collar can be positioned correctly, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collar elevator is pre-configured in a compressed state that automatically elevates the ankle collar when the foot is inserted. The deformable element is preliminarily compressed between the collar and heel counter, so that upon donning, the stored energy automatically performs the collar elevation action without requiring manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear article performs self-service by automatically elevating its own ankle collar through the collar elevator mechanism. The deformable element converts the insertion motion into automatic collar elevation, eliminating the need for external manual assistance during the donning process.
2Ease of operation
If repeated manual manipulation of the ankle collar occurs, then the collar can be adjusted, but structural breakdown of the collar may occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The collar elevator mechanism enables the collar to self-adjust to the correct position automatically during donning, eliminating repeated manual manipulation that causes structural wear. The deformable element provides consistent, controlled elevation force that prevents excessive stress on the collar materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is preliminarily positioned in a lowered state for easy foot insertion, then automatically elevated to the correct position once the foot is inside. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustment attempts that could damage the collar structure over time.
3Ease of operation
If the ankle collar is lowered towards the sole during insertion, then the foot-insertion opening expands for easier donning, but the collar must be manually readjusted afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is preliminarily lowered to expand the foot-insertion opening, facilitating easy foot insertion. The deformable element is pre-compressed in this lowered position, and automatically elevates the collar to its final position once insertion is complete, eliminating the need for separate manual readjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar automatically readsjusts itself from the lowered insertion position to the elevated wearing position through the collar elevator mechanism. The deformable element converts the insertion motion into automatic collar elevation, eliminating the need for additional manual adjustment actions or complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables hands-free donning of footwear articles by expanding the foot-insertion opening and securely fitting around the wearer's heel with minimal effort, reducing structural wear and enhancing ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
using a deformable element with lever arms and a center connecting band to store and release potential energy
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear article includes a collar elevator that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that is conducive to donning up to a raised state that secures the wearer's foot during wear. The collar elevator may be arranged at various positions among the footwear article, such as above or below a strobel. The collar elevator may be coupled to the footwear article using various connectors. The footwear article may have other features, such as an ankle collar, that are configured in a manner to work together with the collar elevator.