Footwear Restraining Device With Pull-String Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear securing systems, such as shoelaces or hook-and-loop fasteners, are easily loosened and removed by wearers, particularly in inappropriate situations for individuals like small children or adults with special needs.
Innovation Solution
A restraining device comprising a ring-shaped member, pull-string, and locking mechanism, which can be permanently or removably attached to footwear, to prevent removal by tightening around the leg/ankle/foot and locking the pull-string in place, regardless of the fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening systems (shoelaces, hook-and-loop) are used to secure footwear, then the footwear can be easily secured and removed, but this allows wearers (especially children or adults with special needs) to remove the footwear at inopportune times
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining device is segmented into distinct functional components: a ring-shaped member that interfaces with the footwear, a tightening means (pull-string or elastic) for securing, and a locking mechanism for maintaining the secured state. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of unauthorized removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining device acts as an intermediary system between the footwear and the wearer's leg/ankle/foot. It mediates the securing process by providing a separate fastening system that locks around the limb, independent of the footwear's own fastening mechanism. This intermediary layer prevents removal even when the footwear's fastening is compromised.
2Reliability
If a restraining device with locking mechanism is added to footwear, then removal is inhibited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with local quality differentiation: it features a simple insert slot for the pull-string and a locking element that engages with a detent or cam mechanism. The complexity is localized to only the necessary locking components rather than the entire device, maintaining simplicity in the ring-shaped member and tightening means while providing robust locking functionality only where needed.
3Reliability
If the restraining device is tightened around the leg/ankle/foot to prevent removal, then footwear cannot be removed, but comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening means incorporates dynamic characteristics through the use of elastic materials or spring-loaded mechanisms that allow the restraining device to adapt to the wearer's limb circumference. The system can be dynamically adjusted during tightening and can accommodate natural movements and swelling of the leg/ankle/foot, maintaining security while reducing discomfort compared to rigid fixed-tension systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A restraining device configured to inhibit the removal of an article of footwear to which the restraining device is attached is provided. The restraining device will prevent footwear from being removed regardless of the type of fastening means used to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer and whether the fastening means are fastened. In some embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be permanently attached to an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be removably attached to an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a ring-shaped member, a tightening means, and a locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a restraining strap and a unique locking mechanism.