Removable Footwear Cleat Multi-Start Thread Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleat systems for footwear lack efficient quick attachment and release mechanisms, are prone to accidental loosening, and often compromise on weight and debris sealing.
Innovation Solution
A removable cleat system with a multi-start thread arrangement and changing draft angle, featuring textured surfaces for increased binding force, allows for quick attachment and release with minimal rotation, while maintaining a lightweight profile and preventing debris ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single start thread is used on the cleat member, then a strong connection is provided, but the number of turns required to attach and detach the cleat member becomes extremely time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thread parameter from single-start to multi-start configuration. The multi-start thread has multiple thread paths (e.g., three-start thread with 60-degree spacing) that allow the cleat member to be attached and detached with fewer rotations while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the distributed thread engagement.
2Loss of time
If a multi-start thread is used on the cleat member, then attachment and detachment can be accomplished with less rotation, but additional locking mechanisms are required to prevent accidental loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The textured surface on the thread serves a dual function: it increases binding force during attachment and simultaneously provides resistance to accidental loosening during use. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining the benefits of multi-start threads for quick attachment and detachment.
3Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are included on the cleat member, then resistance to accidental loosening is improved, but the weight of the cleat member and overall weight of the article of footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The textured thread surface provides both increased binding force for secure attachment and resistance to accidental loosening without requiring additional locking mechanisms. This self-sufficient design maintains reliability while avoiding the weight penalty of extra components.
4Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are included on the cleat member, then resistance to accidental loosening is improved, but the seal between the cleat member and sole becomes more susceptible to debris collection
Solution Approach 1:
The textured thread surface provides the necessary resistance to accidental loosening while maintaining a clean, simple interface between the cleat member and sole. By eliminating additional locking mechanisms, the design prevents debris accumulation at complex interfaces while still achieving reliable anti-loosening performance through the textured thread engagement.
5Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are included on the cleat member, then resistance to accidental loosening is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The textured thread surface provides both increased binding force and resistance to accidental loosening as an integrated feature. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining reliable performance.
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 enables rapid and secure attachment of cleat members with reduced rotation, enhanced resistance to loosening, and improved sealing, thereby enhancing performance and durability without increasing weight or manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-start thread arrangement configured to be attached to a base member incorporated into the sole of the article of footwear
Implementation Method 2
The threads of the cleat member may also include textured surfaces to increase binding within the base member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An article of footwear (100) may include an upper (102), a sole (104), and a removable cleat member (108). The sole may include at least one base member (320) disposed in the sole, the base member including a fastener receiving portion, the fastener receiving portion may include at least one female thread. The cleat member may include a cleat body (304) having a ground-engaging end (300) and an opposite fastening end (302). A fastening portion (310) is configured to extend from the fastening end of the cleat body. The fastening portion may engage with the fastener receiving portion of the base member, the fastening portion including a post (314) and the thread (316) including a draft angle. The thread of the cleat member may be configured to engage with the female thread of the base member.