Illuminated Ballroom Shoe Buckle Hook for High-Tension Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for buckling and unbuckling ballroom dance shoes are not safe, quick, or convenient, especially due to high strap tension, full skirts, long fingernails, and low light conditions, which make it difficult to manage the buckle hook and strap buckle securely.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a rigid wire loop attached to a handle, providing a tool hook for stabilizing the buckle and a small light source for illumination, allowing easy insertion and removal of the strap buckle, and aiding in the buckling and unbuckling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool is used to buckle and unbuckle ballroom dance shoes, then the operation becomes quicker and safer, but the device complexity increases compared to using fingers alone
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for grip, a tool hook for manipulating the buckle, and an electrical assembly with illumination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool hook acts as an intermediary between the user's fingers and the buckle mechanism. It mediates the interaction by providing a secure grip on the buckle hook, allowing users with long fingernails or full skirts to easily manipulate the buckle without direct finger contact.
2Reliability
If the tool hook is designed to securely hold the buckle, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool hook is designed with specific local qualities: a rigid wire construction with a semi-circular portion and parallel side portions spaced by a specific width. This local design optimization ensures the hook can securely hold the buckle in various positions without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-circular portion of the tool hook provides curvature that complements the shape of the buckle hook, enabling secure engagement. The curved geometry allows the tool hook to cradle and stabilize the buckle effectively, improving reliability through geometric compatibility rather than complex mechanical features.
3Ease of operation
If illumination is added to improve visibility in low light conditions, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical assembly with illumination is merged with the handle structure, combining multiple functions (structural support, electrical component housing, and illumination) into a single integrated unit. This reduces overall device complexity while providing the needed illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: providing grip for the user, housing the electrical assembly, and supporting the illumination source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while delivering improved ease of operation in low light conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tool hook width is reduced to fit smaller buckles, then adaptability improves, but the strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool hook dimensions are optimized with specific parameter relationships: the width between parallel side portions is set to less than half the length from the semi-circular portion to the bottom. This parameter optimization allows the hook to be slender enough for adaptability while maintaining sufficient strength through the rigid wire construction and geometric design.
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
Enables safe, quick, and convenient buckling and unbuckling of ballroom dance shoes by stabilizing the buckle and providing adequate lighting, reducing strap tension issues and snagging problems.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical assembly includes a source of illumination, a source of potential, and a switch.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool has a lower component formed as a tool hook and an upper component formed as a handle. The handle has a configuration with a top, a bottom, a front, a back and sides. The handle has a chamber with a panel to provide access to the chamber. The tool hook extends downwardly from the bottom of the handle. The tool hook is fabricated of a rigid wire with parallel side portions and a semi-circular portion coupling the side portions. The side portions are spaced by a width. The semi-circular portion is spaced from the bottom by a length. The width is less than the length. An electrical assembly constitutes a portion of the handle. The electrical assembly includes a source of illumination, a source of potential, and a switch.