Integrated Lace Tensioning Reel Assembly for Reduced Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices for articles such as shoes and medical braces have complex component structures that increase cost, assembly complexity, and risk of malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A reel assembly with a reduced component count, integrating key components like a spool and drive mechanism, allowing for simplified assembly without screws or rigid fasteners, and featuring a one-way tightening mechanism using ratchet teeth for efficient closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure devices use multiple separate components (housing, spool, drive mechanism, ratchet teeth), then the device can perform effective closure and tightening functions, but the component structure becomes complex, increasing cost, assembly complexity, and risk of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the housing, spool, drive mechanism, and ratchet teeth into a single monolithic component formed by elongating and deforming material. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing assembly complexity and potential failure points while maintaining all necessary closure functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated closure device performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides structural housing, spool rotation for tensioning, drive mechanism for one-way rotation control, and ratchet teeth for locking. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count while maintaining effective closure and tightening capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional closure devices use multiple separate components connected by screws or rigid fasteners, then the components can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the housing, spool, drive mechanism, and ratchet teeth as a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for assembly operations involving screws or rigid fasteners. The monolithic structure is produced in one manufacturing process, dramatically reducing assembly time and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional closure devices use multiple separate components, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the overall cost increases due to multiple parts and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the quantity of substance by integrating multiple components into one. Instead of manufacturing and managing separate housing, spool, drive mechanism, and ratchet teeth components, the monolithic design produces a single part, reducing material usage, manufacturing steps, and inventory requirements.
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 simplified reel assembly reduces costs, enhances durability, and simplifies assembly while maintaining effective closure and tightening functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The spool component is rotatably positioned within the interior region of the housing component. The spool includes an annular channel around which a tension member is gathered to tighten the article.
Implementation Method 2
The drive component allows the spool component to rotate in a first direction within the housing component's interior region while preventing rotation of the spool component in a second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.