Elastic Fastening Structure for Lace-Free Secure Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for footwear and apparel lack flexibility and ease of use, often requiring laces that can be cumbersome and difficult to manage, especially for secure and customizable fastening solutions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fastening device with a one-piece elastic body comprising a ring portion and an anchor portion, connected by an elongate body portion, allowing for removably coupling ends together or to eyelets/hooks, providing a secure and customizable fastening mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional laces are used for fastening footwear and apparel, then the fastening system can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates as laces become cumbersome and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible body portion and separate coupling mechanisms at each end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body for flexibility and comfort, while the couplings provide secure attachment - thereby improving ease of operation without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible body portion acts as an intermediary element between the two coupling mechanisms. This intermediary component absorbs the complexity of the coupling mechanisms while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure, making the device easier to operate by providing a manageable flexible section that can be easily manipulated
2Reliability
If traditional lacing systems are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of secure fastening deteriorates due to inability to provide customizable fastening solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing for adjustable and customizable fastening. The couplings can be selectively engaged or released to provide different levels of security and customization, improving reliability while managing the complexity through controlled dynamic behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are designed to change their engagement parameters - such as engagement force, engagement position, or engagement state - to provide customizable fastening solutions. By allowing these parameters to be adjusted or varied, the device achieves reliable secure fastening while the complexity is managed through standardized parameter changes rather than complex structural modifications
3Ease of operation
If flexible materials are used for the fastening device body, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision may deteriorate due to difficulty in maintaining consistent dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion is constructed as a flexible shell or film structure that maintains dimensional consistency through its geometric design rather than rigid material properties. This flexible shell approach allows the body to be flexible for ease of operation while the shell structure itself provides the necessary dimensional control and consistency during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are pre-configured with specific dimensional tolerances and geometric features that compensate for the flexibility of the body material. By performing preliminary design actions to account for material flexibility, the manufacturing process can achieve consistent dimensions despite using flexible materials, maintaining both flexibility and manufacturing precision
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 flexible fastening device offers a secure, easy-to-use alternative to traditional laces, enhancing user convenience and allowing for customizable designs, while providing a safer and more reliable closure system for footwear and apparel.
Implementation Method 1
The body portion is flexible and is configured and operative to flex such that said first and second end portions can be removably coupled together
Data Source
AI summary
Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.