Footwear Panel Closure With Concealed Guides and Quick Tightening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear closure systems often compromise between fit, comfort, and speed of closure, lacking efficient mechanisms to quickly secure footwear while maintaining a snug and visually appealing design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a panel system with overlapping panels and a reel-based closure device that includes guides and a tightening mechanism to tension the panels, concealing the closure components for a clean aesthetic and enhanced fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional closure systems (shoelaces, straps) are used, then the footwear can be closed and secured about the foot, but the time required to close and secure the footwear is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical closure systems (shoelaces, buckles, straps) with an inflatable bladder system that uses pneumatic pressure to secure the footwear. The bladder is inflated through a valve mechanism, allowing rapid closure without manual tying or fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using an inflatable bladder filled with air or gas to apply uniform pressure across the foot, securing the footwear quickly and efficiently. The pneumatic system allows for rapid inflation and adjustment of fit without complex mechanical fasteners.
2Ease of operation
If closure systems are designed to provide snug fit and comfort, then the fit and comfort of the footwear is improved, but the visual appearance becomes compromised due to visible closure components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the closure mechanism (inflatable bladder and valve) from the visible exterior of the footwear, concealing it within the structure. The bladder is positioned internally, and the valve is designed to be minimally visible or accessible only through a small opening, thereby maintaining a clean, streamlined aesthetic while providing secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable bladder that conforms to the shape of the foot and footwear interior, providing a smooth, continuous surface that enhances visual appearance. The thin film bladder distributes pressure evenly while remaining invisible from the exterior, combining aesthetic appeal with functional closure.
3Ease of operation
If multiple panels are used to improve fit and comfort, then the fit and comfort are enhanced, but the complexity of the closure system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single inflatable bladder that serves multiple functions: it secures the footwear, provides cushioning, and adjusts to various foot shapes and sizes. This universal closure mechanism eliminates the need for multiple separate panels, straps, or fasteners, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced fit and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple closure functions into a single integrated inflatable bladder system. Instead of using separate panels, straps, and fasteners, the bladder combines support, tensioning, and adjustment functions into one component, simplifying the closure system while improving fit and comfort across multiple areas of the footwear.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear, such as a shoe or boot, includes a sole, an upper, and one or more guides that are coupled or attached with the upper. The one or more guides are configured and arranged to route or direct a tension member along a path about the footwear. The footwear also includes a panel having a fixed end that is attached to a first side of the upper and a free end that is positioned opposite the fixed end. The panel extends from the first side of the upper toward a second side of the upper. The panel is positionable over at least one guide of the one or more guides to cover and conceal the at least one guide from external view.