Extendable Heel With Key-Operated Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable heels lack a reliable locking mechanism and key system, making them impractical for consistent heel height adjustment and tamper-proofing, leading to discomfort and the need for multiple shoe pairs to accommodate varying occasions and preferences.
Innovation Solution
An extendable heel design featuring a telescoping arrangement with a locking mechanism and key system, allowing for secure height adjustment by rotating a pin tumbler lock, ensuring the heel portions remain in place during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pump or pin and spring assembly is used to provide height adjustable heels, then the heel height can be adjusted, but the mechanism fails to provide a locking mechanism to secure the height position
Solution Approach 1:
The heel is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be extended or retracted to different heights. Each segment can be independently positioned and locked, allowing for variable height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
A key-operated locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the heel segments. The key activates the locking mechanism which then secures the segments in place, providing reliable height positioning without requiring the user to manually manipulate complex mechanical assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shoes with various heel heights are carried to accommodate different occasions, then the need for heel height variation is met, but this requires carrying additional weight and the changing process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The heel structure incorporates dynamic, movable segments that can be extended or retracted on demand. This transforms a static heel into a dynamic system that adapts to different height requirements, eliminating the need to carry multiple pairs of shoes with fixed heel heights.
Solution Approach 2:
A single shoe design incorporates multiple heel height configurations within one structure. The telescoping segments with locking mechanisms enable one shoe to perform the function of multiple shoes, providing universal applicability across different occasions and eliminating the need to carry additional footwear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heel portions are made movable for height adjustment, then versatility is improved, but the risk of accidental changes and tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key-operated locking mechanism acts as an intermediary control system that mediates between the user's intent and the heel segment positioning. The key provides a simple, intuitive interface for activation while the internal locking mechanism provides robust security against accidental or unauthorized changes, creating a layered protection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to prevent accidental changes by requiring a specific key activation sequence. This preliminary anti-action ensures that only intentional, authorized adjustments can be made, while normal wear and incidental contact cannot trigger unintended heel height changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable heel for adjusting the height of a heel. The extendable heel includes a heel body and one or more heel portions that are moveable between an extend position and a retracted position. In a retracted position, the heel portions are housed within the heel body and in an extended position, the heel portions are positioned below the heel body. A locking mechanism is operably connected to the heel portions and controls the height and position of the heel portions. The locking mechanism can receive a key that allows a user to control the position of the heel portions. In one use, the turning of the key in a first direction causes a cylinder to rotate, which allows the heel portions to freely move into the extended position. The key can be turned in the opposing direction to secure the heel portion in the extended position.