Compact Footwear Tensioning Spool With Cam-Engaged Lace Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear and apparel tensioning systems lack efficient and automated mechanisms for adjusting fit, often requiring manual effort and resulting in suboptimal comfort and security.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tensioning system comprising a spool system with a driveshaft, spool, engagement plate, and cam device, which transitions between engaged and disengaged states to automatically tighten or loosen the lace, providing a customizable fit without continuous user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized tensioning system is implemented, then automated adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool system employs a nested configuration where the spool extension integrates with the engagement plate, and the cam device is positioned within the housing. The spool extension is received by the engagement plate, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is divided into distinct functional modules: the motor assembly, the spool system (with spool, spool extension, and engagement plate), and the cam device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the automated system more manageable despite the increased complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a spool system with engagement plate and cam device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam device automatically engages and disengages the spool extension from the engagement plate based on the rotational position of the cam. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or control systems to manage the engagement state, improving ease of operation while keeping the device complexity manageable through automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states through the rotation of the cam device. The engagement plate and spool extension move from a coupled position to a spaced-apart position automatically, providing ease of operation through dynamic state changes without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Power
If the spool extension is coupled to the engagement plate, then torque transmission is improved, but the risk of bird-nesting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam device acts as an intermediary that controls the engagement between the spool extension and the engagement plate. By mediating this connection, the cam ensures proper alignment and controlled coupling, which maintains effective torque transmission while reducing the risk of bird-nesting through regulated engagement rather than direct permanent coupling.
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
The system enables automatic adjustment of footwear fit, enhancing comfort and security by allowing for quick and easy tightening and loosening, reducing the risk of 'bird-nesting' and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the cam device is configured to transmit torque to the engagement plate
Implementation Method 2
the driveshaft is configured to transmit torque to the cam device
Data Source
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AI summary
A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.