Cycling Shoe Closure Control for Dynamic Fit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cycling shoes lack the ability to dynamically adjust the tightening force of the upper based on real-time bicycle and user information, leading to suboptimal fit and comfort during cycling.
Innovation Solution
A cycling shoe system with an actuator-controlled closure that adjusts tightening force based on bicycle information (speed, cadence, power) and user information (heart rate, temperature, lactate level) using sensors and a controller, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a closure is used to tighten the upper to the rider's foot, then the fit and comfort are improved, but the tightening force cannot be dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a static tightening mechanism to a dynamic one by incorporating an actuator that can adjust the tightening force in real-time based on changing cycling conditions and user needs, allowing the shoe to adapt during the ride
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect cycling conditions (speed, cadence, power) and user physiological states, enabling the closure to self-adjust the tightening force without requiring manual intervention from the rider
2Ease of operation
If manual tightening is used, then the user can adjust to personal preference, but real-time dynamic conditions cannot be responded to
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor cycling conditions and user physiological states, providing real-time feedback to the controller which automatically adjusts the closure tightening force, enabling rapid response to changing conditions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is supplemented or replaced with an automated actuator system that uses electrical or electronic actuation mechanisms to adjust the closure, enabling faster and more precise response to real-time conditions
3Reliability
If the closure is tightly fixed, then the fit is secure, but comfort and adaptability to changing conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a fixed static tightening state to a dynamic adjustable state, allowing the shoe to maintain secure fit when needed while adapting to changing cycling conditions and user physiological states throughout the ride
Data Source
AI summary
A cycling shoe system is basically includes an upper, a sole, a closure, an actuator, a communicator and a controller. The upper has a first portion, a second portion, and an opening between the first portion and the second portion. The sole is attached to the upper. The closure is coupled between the first portion and the second portion. The actuator is operatively coupled to the closure to adjust a relative position of the first portion and the second portion. The communicator is configured to receive at least one of bicycle information and user information. The controller is configured to control the actuator to adjust a tightening force applied by the closure to a target tightening force based on at least one of the bicycle information and the user information.