Knot Lacing Device with Coiled Ridge for Drawstring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for tying and retaining shoelaces are limited and do not effectively address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or those who struggle with coordinated finger movements, as well as issues with drawstrings in clothing that tend to untie or become inaccessible during movement.
Innovation Solution
A knot lacing device with a body section featuring a channel, ridge, groove, and notch design that allows for threading and coiling of laces or drawstrings, along with a ball and socket mechanism for securing devices together, enabling efficient knotting and retention without the need for traditional tying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shoelace tying methods are used, then the laces can be secured, but it requires significant time, effort, and coordinated finger movements that are difficult for people with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (knotting device with channel and ridge structure) that mediates between the lace and the user's hand movements. The device captures the lace in its channel and uses the ridge structure to automatically form and secure knots, eliminating the need for complex finger manipulations while reducing tying time
2Ease of operation
If drawstrings are made longer to prevent tangling, then accessibility is improved, but the excess length becomes a nuisance and may slide into the hood or garment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess drawstring length from the functional area by capturing it within the knotting device's channel structure. The device holds the necessary length for operation while containing any excess material, preventing it from sliding into the hood or creating a nuisance while maintaining accessibility
3Reliability
If existing knot retainers are used, then the knots can be secured, but the devices are complex and require multiple components to function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal knotting device that performs multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The device can tie initial knots, secure them, and retain them all while accommodating different lace types and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
A knot lacing device for tying and knotting laces or drawstring and a method therefor comprising threading a lace through an interior cavity of the knot lacing device in a first direction, the knot device comprising a body section comprising a first end and second end and a length extending therebetween and an interior cavity running at least partially along the length, turning the lace at an outlet of the interior cavity, and wrapping the lace around a body of the device in a second direction opposing the first direction and engaging the lace with a ridge coiled along a length of the device such that the lace is wrapped around the body of the device and along a length of the body of the device.