Lockable Shoe Tying Device Using Segmented Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe tying devices are complex, difficult to use, and not easily removable, making them unsuitable for children, disabled persons, and elderly individuals who struggle with dexterity, and are conspicuous once used.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece lockable shoe tying device with a female and male member, featuring engagement sections, cut-out portions, and cantilever pillars to hold lace loops, allowing for easy use and removal, with rounded corners and concave cut-outs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current shoe tying devices include several apertures and require complicated movements, then the device can tie shoelaces, but the device becomes intimidating and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate members: a first member with a first aperture and a second member with a second aperture. These members are positioned on opposite sides of the shoe tongue, simplifying the overall structure and making the device less intimidating while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-aperture design is extracted and replaced with a simplified two-member design where each member has only one aperture. This reduction in complexity removes the intimidating nature of previous devices while preserving the core shoe-tying function
2Adaptability or versatility
If shoe tying devices are not removable from the shoe, then the device provides continuous assistance, but it becomes obvious to other people that the person has used the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a fixed, permanent attachment to a dynamic, removable configuration. The first and second members can be attached to or removed from the shoe tongue at the user's discretion, providing versatility in usage while allowing the user to conceal device use when desired
3Reliability
If shoe tying devices require complicated movements, then the device can secure loops, but the device is difficult to use for children and disabled persons
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-securing function is divided between two simple members positioned on opposite sides of the shoe tongue. Each member has a single aperture that guides the lace end, eliminating complicated movements while maintaining reliable loop formation through the distributed aperture configuration
4Ease of operation
If the device uses a two-piece design with engagement sections, then the device is easy to remove, but the device requires precise alignment of cut-out portions
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second members feature asymmetric cut-out portions that are specifically shaped and positioned to interengage. This asymmetric design creates a natural alignment mechanism where the cut-outs fit together in only one orientation, ensuring precise positioning while maintaining ease of removal through the simple engagement/disengagement of the cut-out portions
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe tying device that includes a female member having a first female member end, a second female member end, at least one female engagement section, and two cut-out portions. The shoe tying device further includes a male member having a male member top face, a first male member end, and a second male member end. One of the male and female members includes two pillars that project from the member top face, and at least one engagement member that extends from one of the members. The at least one female engagement section and the at least one male engagement section selectively engageable with each other creating an opening from the alignment of the cut-out portions of the of the female member and the cut-out portions of the male member.