Footwear Closure Mechanism with Hinged Securing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear often lacks improved closure mechanisms that enhance comfort and fit, particularly in terms of adjustability and security.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for footwear featuring a closure mechanism with a collector spool, securing element, and lace that can be adjusted between loosened and tightened configurations, utilizing spools with orthogonal rotation axes and a hinged mechanism for secure attachment to the upper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lacing system is used, then the footwear structure is simple, but the adjustability and security of the closure mechanism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a closure mechanism body, a securing element, and a lace. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall adjustability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable closure mechanism that can be rotated to adjust tightness, and a hinged securing element that can be opened and closed. These dynamic features enable continuous adjustment while maintaining security when closed.
2Ease of operation
If a removable closure mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation and adjustability is improved, but the reliability of securing the closure mechanism to the footwear is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is extracted as a separate, removable component from the footwear upper. This allows the closure mechanism to be easily attached and detached while maintaining secure attachment during use through the hinged securing element that locks into place.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed with a hinged mechanism that automatically secures the closure mechanism to the footwear upon attachment. This preliminary securing action ensures reliability is established before the user begins adjusting the closure mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure mechanism allows for tightening and loosening adjustment, then the comfort and fit customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting through the rotation of the closure mechanism body, which naturally winds or unwinds the lace to tighten or loosen the fit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex adjustment devices while maintaining fit customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure system for an article of footwear includes a closure mechanism, a securing element, and a cord or a lace that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear. The closure mechanism is configured to be actuated to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration, and the securing element is configured to be engaged with the closure mechanism to removably secure the closure mechanism to the footwear.