Insert-Molded Lace Guides for Easier Reel Closure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional closure systems for articles, such as footwear, are often expensive and complicated to manufacture, making it difficult for manufacturers to integrate reel-based mechanisms, which hinders their adoption due to high production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The development of insert molded components and lace guides made from thermoplastic materials with adjustable flange members, allowing for easy attachment to articles like shoes, using thermoplastic elastomers with lower melting temperatures for direct coupling and reduced production complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reel-based closure mechanisms are integrated into footwear, then closure functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into separate functional modules: a reel mechanism module, a lace guide module, and a flange member module. Each module can be manufactured independently and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full closure functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flange member acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the attachment of the reel mechanism to the footwear. The flange member provides a standardized mounting interface, reducing the complexity of direct integration between the reel mechanism and the shoe structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reel-based closure mechanisms are integrated into footwear, then closure functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components (lace guides, flange member, and mounting structures) are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of separate parts that need to be sourced, inventoried, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining closure functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange member is designed to be self-attaching to the footwear through its own structural features (such as adhesive backing, stitching loops, or snap-fit mechanisms), eliminating the need for separate attachment tools or complex assembly procedures, thus reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If thermoplastic elastomer flange members are used, then ease of attachment is improved, but material selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flange member is designed with adjustable parameters such as flange diameter, thickness, and attachment feature configuration. These parameters can be modified to suit different footwear types and applications, providing material selection flexibility while maintaining ease of attachment through the standardized thermoplastic elastomer material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the quick and convenient coupling of tightening mechanisms to articles, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while providing customizable and adjustable closure systems that enhance fit and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The flange member is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the housing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The flange member is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the housing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS20250089850A1Guides and components for closure systems and methods therefor

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 BOA TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.