Footwear Closure Mechanism for One-Direction Locking and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure mechanisms for articles of footwear and apparel, such as laces, straps, and buckles, are difficult to open, close, and adjust, particularly for young children and individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and are time-consuming for emergency responders.
Innovation Solution
A closure mechanism that can be moved between unlocked and locked positions by moving one component in a single direction relative to another, allowing easy actuation and adjustment, suitable for securing openings of footwear and apparel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional closure mechanisms (laces, straps, buckles) are used, then the closure can secure the article, but the operation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into separate male and female components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The male component with head portion and stem portion separates from the female component with locking elements, allowing for simplified operation where the male component can be inserted and locked into the female component in a single directional motion, significantly reducing the time and complexity compared to conventional laces and buckles
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism transitions from static conventional designs to a dynamic system where the male component can move between locked and unlocked positions relative to the female component. The locking elements on the female component engage with the head portion of the male component to provide secure locking, while allowing easy release through opposite directional motion, creating a responsive and user-friendly dynamic closure system
2Ease of operation
If conventional closure mechanisms are used, then the closure can secure the article, but it is difficult for young children and individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-step operations of conventional closures (tying laces, manipulating multiple buckle parts) are extracted and replaced with a simplified single-action mechanism. The male component is designed to be inserted into the female component in a single directional motion, eliminating the need for complex hand maneuvers required by traditional closures, making it accessible to children and individuals with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring multiple complex actions to secure the article, the mechanism inverts the approach by using a simple insertion motion that automatically engages the locking elements. The female component's locking elements are positioned to engage automatically as the male component is inserted, reversing the traditional approach where the user must manually manipulate multiple parts to achieve securing
3Reliability
If the closure mechanism uses multiple components and directions for actuation, then it can provide secure locking, but it increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single operational motion. The male component's head portion engages with multiple locking elements on the female component simultaneously through one insertion action, providing secure locking without requiring separate actions for each locking element. The same directional motion that secures the article also prepares it for release, combining multiple functions into a unified simple operation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure mechanism for an article, comprising a projection configured to be coupled to a first portion of the article; a main platform configured to be coupled to a second portion of the article; and a locking element comprising a plurality of first tabs, a plurality of second tabs, and a plurality of flanges, wherein the plurality of first tabs extends from the main platform, wherein the plurality of second tabs extends from the plurality of flanges toward the main platform, and wherein the plurality of flanges is spaced apart from the main platform, wherein the projection is movable in a first direction relative to the main platform and the locking element from a first unlocked position to a locked position and from the locked position to a second unlocked position, wherein in the first unlocked position, the projection is at a first position on the main platform, wherein in the locked position, the plurality of first tabs engages with the projection to restrict movement of the projection in a second direction relative to the locking element, and the plurality of second tabs engages with the projection to restrict movement of the projection in the first direction relative to the locking element, and wherein in the second unlocked position, the projection is at a second position on the main platform spaced apart from the first position.