Sports Footwear Closure Device Dynamic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for sports footwear hinder the comfortable insertion and extraction of the foot due to their positioning above the shell opening, even when in the open position, and there is a risk of hooking elements getting caught, making operations difficult, especially in challenging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A closure device that can shift from a closed to an open position, where the tensioning member engages with the supporting plate, allowing it to be moved away from the shell opening and anchoring plate, with second hooking elements locking the device at an angle greater than 45°, preventing obstruction of the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure device is positioned through and above the opening of the shell to allow foot insertion and extraction, then the opening can be widened, but the closure device itself becomes an obstacle to comfortable insertion and extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to dynamically change its position based on operational state. In the open position, the tensioning member engages second hooking elements with retaining elements of the supporting plate to lock the device away from the opening. In the closed position, the tensioning member engages first hooking elements with retaining elements of the anchoring plate. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the obstacle effect while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the hooking elements are disengaged from the anchoring plate to open the closure device, then the opening can be widened, but the hooking elements may get inadvertently caught in the anchoring plate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hooking elements from their traditional position near the anchoring plate and relocates them to the supporting plate on the opposite side of the opening. This spatial separation eliminates the risk of inadvertent engagement with the anchoring plate while the closure device is in the open position, as the hooking elements are now engaged with the supporting plate instead.
3Reliability
If the closure device is locked in a position to immobilize the user's foot, then the foot is securely fixed, but the closure device remains positioned through and above the opening of the shell
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device dynamically repositions based on operational state. When locked in the closed position for foot immobilization, the tensioning member engages first hooking elements with retaining elements of the anchoring plate, securing the foot. When opened, the device locks in a retracted position by engaging second hooking elements with the supporting plate, eliminating the obstacle effect. This dynamic behavior allows the device to maintain reliability while avoiding harmful obstacle effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for a sports footwear s provided. The device facilitates insertion of the user's foot into the footwear and extraction of the same from the footwear. The closure device can switch from a closed position, in which the user's foot is immobilized within the footwear, to an open position in which the user's foot can be inserted into the footwear or extracted therefrom, and the device can be locked in a fixed position both when it is in its closed position and when it is in its open position. In particular, when it is in its open position, the closure device is locked in a position in which it does not hinder the operations of inserting the user's foot into the footwear and of extracting the user's foot from the footwear.