Lace Fastening Mechanism With Incremental Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for laces lack an incremental release function, making them inconvenient to use and prone to full release errors due to complex structures and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a case featuring engaging teeth, a spool for winding the lace, a knob, and an engaging unit with pawl arms and abutting members that allow incremental release by temporarily offsetting friction as the lace is tensioned or released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fastening mechanism with spring and driving unit is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the lace is easily released due to vibrations or external force
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device segments the lace into multiple sections corresponding to different numbers of windings around the spool. Each section represents a discrete tension level, allowing incremental adjustment while maintaining secure holding at each level through the pawl-teeth engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl arm acts as an intermediary between the spool and the case, providing positive mechanical engagement through its interaction with the teeth on the spool. This intermediary mechanism transforms the rotational motion of the spool into discrete positional states that prevent unintended release.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a buckle with complex internal components is used to receive and tension the cord, then the cord can be received inside and length adjusted, but the manufacturing cost is increased and assembly and repair difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses discrete teeth on the spool and pawl arm to create segmented, incremental adjustment positions. Each tooth represents a discrete position, allowing the lace length to be adjusted in small increments rather than continuously, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pawl arm automatically engages with the teeth on the spool to maintain tension and prevent reverse rotation. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for complex locking systems or additional actuating components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a buckle with complex internal components is used, then the cord can be received inside and tension adjusted, but assembly and repair difficulties and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device uses segmented teeth on the spool that engage with corresponding features on the pawl arm, creating discrete adjustment positions for cord tension. This segmentation allows for simple, modular construction that is easier to manufacture and assemble compared to continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl arm and tooth engagement mechanism uses simple, replicated geometric features (teeth and corresponding engagement surfaces) that can be easily manufactured using standard machining or molding processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If existing fastening devices are used without incremental release function, then the structure is simpler, but full release errors occur and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically engage and disengage from the teeth on the spool. This dynamic engagement enables incremental release functionality where the lace can be released tooth-by-tooth, providing user control over the release process while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 device enables secure and incremental adjustment of lace tension, preventing full release errors and reducing manufacturing costs through a simpler structure, thus enhancing user convenience and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one abutting member is deflected by a tension of the lace to offset a friction temporarily
Implementation Method 2
the at least one pawl arm is incrementally and radially deflected
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device includes a case including a plurality of engaging teeth, a spool disposed at the case and configured for a lace to be wound therearound, a knob covering the case, and an engaging unit disposed at the case and coupled to the spool. The engaging unit includes at least one pawl arm selectively coupled to at least one of the engaging teeth, and at least one abutting member. As the knob is rotated in a tensioning direction, the engaging unit is rotated and the pawl arm is disengaged from the engaging teeth to allow the spool to tension the lace. As the knob is rotated in a releasing direction to allow the pawl arm to disengage from the engaging teeth, the abutting member is deflected by a tension of the lace to offset a friction temporarily, thereby allowing the lace to be incrementally released.