Footwear Button Standoff Assembly Against Accidental Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of buttons on flexible footwear uppers being inadvertently depressed due to material flexing, leading to unintended activation, is addressed by developing a standoff assembly with annular ridges that surround the buttons to protect them from upper material forces.
Innovation Solution
A standoff assembly with annular ridges is integrated to surround buttons, allowing the upper material to flex without depressing the buttons, while maintaining user accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are placed on the upper material for controlling motorized lacing systems, then user accessibility is improved, but the flexibility of the upper material causes accidental button activation when the footwear flexes
Solution Approach 1:
A button cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper material and the button. The button cover includes a button receiving portion that allows deliberate user activation while a protrusion extends beyond the upper material surface to prevent accidental activation by flexing material. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by filtering which activations are transmitted to the button.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to the button interface by extending the protrusion above the upper material surface. This creates a multi-level structure where the button recessed in the upper material is protected by the protruding cover, allowing deliberate access while blocking accidental contact from material flexing.
2Reliability
If buttons are recessed into the upper material to protect them, then accidental activation is reduced, but user accessibility and deliberate control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The button cover creates a vertical protrusion that extends above the upper material surface, providing a tactile target for user interaction while the button itself remains recessed for protection. This dimensional approach allows the button to be both protected and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The button cover serves as a mediator that transmits deliberate user pressure to the button while blocking accidental activation from material flexing. The cover's protrusion provides a larger, more accessible target area that is easier to locate and press deliberately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper material is made flexible for comfort and fit adjustment, then wearer comfort is improved, but button control reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent pressure on buttons during flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The button cover with its protruding portion acts as a filter that allows the upper material to remain flexible for comfort while preventing the flexing material from directly contacting and accidentally activating the button. The intermediary structure decouples the flexibility benefit from the accidental activation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The button cover protrusion preemptively blocks the path of accidental activation before it can reach the button. By extending beyond the upper material surface, it creates a protective barrier that counteracts the harmful effect of material flexing before it can cause unintended button activation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the installation of a control device. The control device can include a panel comprising a plurality of buttons that can provide manual control to a user. The control device can be installed in a compartment within the article after initial manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the control device can include a raised standoff assembly that can be configured to decrease inadvertent pressure being applied to the buttons.