Dual-Lace Closure System for Even Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for objects with separate portions, such as footwear, often fail to provide a secure and comfortable fit due to uneven force distribution and potential premature failure, as they lack a resilient and inelastic lace system that effectively secures multiple eyelet portions together.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a resiliently flexible first lace that extends through multiple eyelets to define bridge portions, combined with a substantially inelastic second lace that engages these bridge portions to securely fasten the object's portions together, ensuring even force distribution and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single lace system is used to secure footwear portions, then the closure system is simple, but the force distribution is uneven and premature failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single lace system is divided into two separate lace systems: a first lace system for securing the first bridge portion and a second lace system for securing the second bridge portion. This segmentation allows each lace to independently manage tension in its respective bridge portion, distributing force more evenly and preventing premature failure of the entire closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional dimensional element by adding a second lace system that operates in parallel to the first lace system. This multi-dimensional approach allows for independent tension management across different bridge portions, transforming a single-line tension distribution into a multi-line distributed tension system.
2Reliability
If a resiliently flexible first lace and substantially inelastic second lace are used, then even force distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different lace materials with specific properties are assigned to different functions: the first lace is made resiliently flexible to accommodate dynamic movement and absorption of shock in the first bridge portion, while the second lace is made substantially inelastic to provide stable, consistent tension in the second bridge portion. This local quality differentiation optimizes force distribution across different regions of the closure system.
3Reliability
If multiple laces are used to secure bridge portions, then secure fit is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into independent lace units, each responsible for a specific bridge portion. This segmentation allows each lace to be adjusted and tied independently, simplifying the operation by breaking down the complex task of securing multiple bridge portions into separate, manageable steps rather than requiring coordination of a single complex lace system.
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 provides a secure, comfortable, and durable closure that evenly distributes tension, preventing premature failure and ensuring a snug fit without being too tight or loose, suitable for various objects including footwear and sporting equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first lace that is resiliently flexible. The first lace is operable to extend continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets
Implementation Method 2
a second lace that is substantially inelastic. The second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion to secure the first and second portions of the object together
Data Source
AI summary
An object includes a body with a first portion having first eyelets and a second portion having second eyelets. The body includes a first surface and a second surface that face in opposite directions. The first surface includes an opening into a void that is defined between the first surface and the second surface. A first lace extends continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets. The first lace has a first bridge portion defined between a first pair of the first eyelets and a second bridge portion defined between a second pair of the second eyelets. The first lace includes an end that passes through the opening to be disposed within the void. A second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion.