Sports Footwear Rigid Bracket Cleat Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoes with removably attached cleats often require a tool to release each cleat, and lack an intermediate rigid bracket that securely attaches to a resiliently deformable sole and cleats.
Innovation Solution
A sports shoe with a resiliently deformable sole and a rigid bracket extending downwardly, featuring elongated tubular holders and a base wall with sockets for cleat insertion, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal of cleats without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool is used to release each cleat from the shoe, then the cleat can be securely attached, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat incorporates a self-releasing mechanism where pressing the release button directly causes the ball to move away from the sole, automatically releasing the cleat without requiring external tools. The cleat serves itself by having the release button integrated into its structure, allowing the user to simply press the button to detach.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball acts as an intermediary element between the release button and the sole. When the release button is pressed, it moves the ball, which in turn releases the cleat from the sole. This intermediary mechanism enables tool-free removal while maintaining secure attachment during use.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism with a button is used to retain the cleat, then the ease of operation improves for removal, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the release button, the ball, and the socket interaction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of operation. The button controls the ball, which in turn controls the locking state.
3Manufacturing precision
If an intermediate rigid bracket is introduced between the sole and cleats, then the manufacturing precision improves for cleat positioning, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a rigid structure for precise cleat positioning, acts as an attachment point for the cleats, and maintains the structural integrity of the shoe-cleat assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved 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 solution provides improved grip during sports activities and allows for individual cleat removal and replacement without tools, maintaining cleat positions and facilitating maintenance, while maintaining the shoe's cushioning and slip resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a sole (14) with a resiliently deformable and slip resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
A sports footwear assembly for providing a removable bracket for a shoe to which cleats are removably attached includes a shoe with a rubber sole and a bracket for attaching to the sole which is rigid. A plurality of holders is coupled to the bracket, each of which is shaped to contain a plurality of cleats. Each cleat is removably coupled to one of the holders and extends downwardly to insert into a ground surface.