Dynamic Footwear Lacing With Pulley Feedback for Quick Tension Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear tightening systems are time-consuming to adjust and release tension, often requiring external mechanisms that detract from aesthetics and do not allow for quick adjustment between tightened and loosened states, leading to discomfort and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An article of footwear featuring a dynamic lacing system with a cable lock that includes pulleys and a housing, allowing the cable to move between tightened and loosened states with audible and tactile feedback, enabling quick adjustment and release of tension without external mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tightening systems use external tightening mechanisms, then the fit adjustment is achieved, but the aesthetics of the footwear is compromised and the adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the footwear structure, specifically integrated into the heel counter or midsole region. The cable lock mechanism is concealed within the footwear upper, with only minimal external components visible. This nesting approach allows the tightening mechanism to be hidden within the footwear's existing structure, maintaining aesthetics while providing functional adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening function is extracted from traditional external knobs or dials and reimagined as an integrated cable-locking system. The cable itself serves as both the tensioning element and the control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external adjustment devices. This extraction simplifies the overall system while maintaining adjustment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional tightening systems use manual manipulation of tightening mechanisms, then the desired fit is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-routed through the footwear upper and connected to the locking device before the user needs to adjust the fit. The locking mechanism is prepared in advance with the cable positioned and tensioning elements ready, so that when the user pulls the cable, the tightening action occurs immediately without requiring multiple manual adjustments or complex manipulation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, multi-step adjustment mechanisms to a dynamic, single-action cable pull system. The cable lock mechanism is designed to respond dynamically to user input, where pulling the cable creates immediate tension and the locking mechanism engages automatically or with minimal additional action, enabling rapid fit adjustment.
3Reliability
If conventional tightening systems use traditional laces or fasteners, then the upper is secured to the foot, but the laces may loosen or become untied during wear requiring attention
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking system is designed to maintain tension automatically once adjusted. The locking mechanism self-maintains the cable tension without requiring user intervention, and the system includes features that prevent accidental loosening or untieing during normal wear activities. The cable remains securely locked in position, providing reliable upper securing without ongoing maintenance attention.
4Ease of operation
If conventional tightening systems require simultaneous depression of release mechanism and pulling, then the cable tension is released, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted and simplified to a single-action pull on the cable or a dedicated release tab. Instead of requiring coordinated simultaneous actions of multiple mechanisms, the system uses a single pulling motion on the cable itself or a simple release element that disengages the locking mechanism and releases tension in one straightforward motion.
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 allows for rapid and secure tightening and loosening of the footwear, enhancing comfort and convenience by providing incremental feedback and maintaining a desired fit without compromising aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
pulleys and a housing, allowing the cable to move between tightened and loosened states with audible and tactile feedback
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear comprises an upper defining an interior void, a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable attached to the upper and moveable in a tightening direction to decrease a volume of the interior void of the upper and in a loosening direction to increase a volume of the interior void of the upper, and a locking device operable between a locked state to prevent movement of the cable and an unlocked state to permit movement of the cable, the locking having a housing attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and receiving the cable therethrough. The housing includes a pulley rotatably disposed therein, whereby the pulley is engaged by the cable and configured cooperate with the housing to provide audible or tactile feedback when the pulley is rotated by cable.