Footwear Lace Guide Structure for Lateral Support Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear closure systems do not adequately support lateral movements, leading to reduced stability and security during quick, explosive lateral movements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of lace-receiving members made from stiffer materials that extend over the upper of the footwear, providing additional support and stability during lateral movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional closure systems are used, then the footwear is flexible and comfortable, but the footwear lacks adequate support for lateral movements
Solution Approach 1:
The lace-receiving member is divided into a distal portion that extends through the upper and a proximal portion that terminates within the footwear, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows the structure to provide lateral support where needed while maintaining flexibility in other areas, resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lace-receiving member is positioned specifically at locations where lateral support is most needed, such as near the toe box and along the sides of the footwear. This local placement provides targeted stability without requiring the entire footwear structure to be reinforced, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lace-receiving members extend through the upper, then lateral movement support is improved, but the upper material is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lace-receiving member acts as an intermediary structure that provides lateral support without requiring the upper material itself to bear the full load. The member extends through the upper but terminates within the footwear, distributing forces away from the upper material and preventing compromise of its integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable lace-receiving members are used, then aesthetic customization is enabled, but the structural support may be inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The lace-receiving member is designed with both fixed and removable characteristics. The distal portion extends through the upper providing consistent structural support, while the proximal portion can be removed or replaced to allow aesthetic customization. This dynamic design maintains reliability while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~12
Figure 13~14
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to lace-receiving structures that may be included in articles of footwear. More specifically, in some embodiments, the articles of footwear disclosed herein include a sole structure, an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a foot-receiving cavity therebetween, and a lace-receiving structure that extends through the upper into the foot-receiving cavity and is configured to receive an adjustment member. In some embodiments, the upper includes an aperture that is configured to permit the lace-receiving structure to extend through the upper. In some embodiments, the lace-receiving structure may include an anchor portion that extends underneath an interior surface of the upper within the foot-receiving cavity. The anchor portion may be configured to couple the lace-receiving structure to the upper.