Incremental Release Closure Mechanism for Precise Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for articles like shoes and medical devices lack the ability to adjust tension incrementally, often requiring full loosening and re-tightening for minor adjustments, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a reel-based mechanism with a spool and rotatable knob that allows for incremental tightening and loosening of tension, using a pair of discs for frictional engagement to enable precise control over lace tension, and a full release mechanism for quick loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional closure devices are used, then the article can be closed and secured, but the tension cannot be adjusted incrementally requiring full loosening and re-tightening for minor adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The spool mechanism transforms the static closure system into a dynamic one, allowing continuous rotation in both directions to incrementally adjust tension. The spool can be rotated to wind or unwind the tension member, providing dynamic control over the article's tightness without requiring full loosening and re-tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the spool for tension adjustment, the housing for structural support, and the tension member for force transmission. This segmentation allows the spool to independently provide incremental adjustment capability while other components maintain their respective functions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional closure devices are used, then the article can be secured, but precise control over tension is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable spool provides continuous, fine-grained control over tension by allowing small rotational increments. Each rotation of the spool translates to a precise, controllable change in tension member length, enabling accurate tension adjustment without sudden jumps or discrete steps.
3Ease of operation
If a reel-based mechanism with spool is used, then incremental tension adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the spool component: it serves as the tension adjustment mechanism, the rotational control element, and the lace winding/unwinding device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining incremental tension control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool performs multiple functions within a single component: it winds and unwinds the tension member, provides rotational control for incremental adjustment, and acts as the primary interface for user interaction. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device structure despite the added capability.
4Measurement precision
If frictional engagement of discs is used, then precise incremental loosening is enabled, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional engagement between discs creates a dynamic, controllable connection that can be smoothly adjusted. The friction allows for incremental loosening by enabling controlled slippage between disc surfaces, providing precise tension reduction without discrete steps or complex locking mechanisms.
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 precise adjustment of lace tension in small increments, improving comfort and convenience by allowing continuous adjustment without full loosening, while preventing over-tightening or damage through tension thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of discs that are axially aligned and frictionally engage to allow the spool to be rotated in a first direction via a first operation of the rotatable knob to incrementally tension the tension member and that disengage to allow the spool to be rotated in a second direction
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.