Footwear Fastening System with Pull Tab and Flap Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear fastening systems are complex, do not provide a secure and snug fit, and are difficult for children or individuals with disabilities to operate, as they require conventional laces and tongues.
Innovation Solution
A novel fastening system comprising two straps with ends attached to opposite sides of the upper, a pull tab that engages a flap fastener, allowing for easy operation with one hand, eliminating the need for conventional laces and tongues by using a combination of straps and flaps that can be secured with a hook and loop fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lacing systems are used, then the footwear can be fastened, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional tongue and lacing system is segmented into two separate flaps (first flap and second flap) that extend across the instep region. This segmentation eliminates the need for a traditional tongue while distributing the fastening function across multiple components, simplifying the overall operation by allowing direct manipulation of flaps rather than threading laces through multiple eyelets
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional tongue is extracted/removed from the footwear structure entirely. Instead of using a traditional tongue that requires laces to thread through, the patent uses flaps that can be directly manipulated and secured with Velcro fasteners, eliminating the complex lacing mechanism while maintaining the fastening function
2Reliability
If conventional lacing systems are used, then the footwear can be fastened, but the fit is not secure and snug
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second flaps are positioned to overlap and work together to secure the foot, combining their fastening functions. The Velcro fasteners on both flaps can engage simultaneously with corresponding fasteners on the opposite side, creating a distributed secure fit across the instep region rather than relying on a single lacing point
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the wearer to position them for optimal fit and security. The Velcro fastening system allows for dynamic adjustment of tension and positioning, enabling a secure and snug fit that can be customized to different foot shapes and sizes
3Ease of operation
If conventional lacing systems are used, then the footwear can be fastened, but it requires two hands and is difficult for children or individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The flap fastening system is designed to be self-service friendly, with large Velcro fasteners that can be easily manipulated by children or individuals with limited dexterity. The flaps can be pulled and secured with one hand, eliminating the need for complex two-handed lacing operations, thereby improving both ease of operation and fastening speed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a simple, secure, and easy-to-use closure mechanism that can be operated with one hand, suitable for children and individuals with disabilities, offering a snug fit without the need for conventional laces or tongues.
Implementation Method 1
the pull tab fastener engages a second flap fastener disposed on a second flap when the article of footwear is in a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear including a fastening system. The fastening system can include a pull tab and one or more flaps that cooperate to provide a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities.