Mechanical Lace-Tying Assembly Using Interlocking Gears and Tweezers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human users face difficulty in tying laces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical assembly with interlocking gears and tweezers that automatically ties shoelaces into a bow by using a slider assembly and hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lace tying is performed, then the task can be completed with simple tools, but it requires manual dexterity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical assembly performs the lace tying function automatically without requiring manual dexterity. The user simply inserts the lace ends and closes the wings, while the internal mechanisms (tweezers, slider assembly, gears) autonomously complete the tying process, making the system serve itself in performing the complex manipulation tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (human fingers performing tying motions) with an automated mechanical system consisting of tweezers, slider assembly, and interlocking gears. This substitution eliminates the need for manual dexterity while performing the same lace manipulation functions
2Productivity
If automated lace tying mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: left and right wings for insertion, a slider assembly for lateral movement, tweezers for grasping, and interlocking gears for coordinated motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The closing motion of the wings simultaneously activates the slider assembly, which in turn coordinates both tweezers through interlocking gears, enabling them to grasp and tie both lace ends in a unified automated sequence, thereby improving productivity
3Ease of operation
If manual dexterity is required for lace tying, then device complexity remains low, but operation becomes difficult for users
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical assembly autonomously performs the time-consuming lace manipulation tasks without requiring repeated manual interventions. Once the lace ends are inserted and the wings are closed, the system self-executes the entire tying sequence, significantly reducing the time required while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated mechanism ensures continuous useful action throughout the tying process. The interlocking gears and slider assembly maintain constant motion from the moment the wings are closed until the bow is formed, eliminating idle time and manual repositioning, thereby reducing total operation time while maintaining simplicity for the user
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical assembly has an inner body with a slider assembly comprised of a left slider arm and a right slider arm. A left wing is joined to the inner body with a left hinge. A right wing is joined to the inner body with a right hinge. Interlocking gears join the left wing to the right wing. A left tweezer is joined to the left wing. A right tweezer is joined to the right wing. A left end of a shoelace is arranged through the left slider assembly arm. A right end of the shoelace is arranged through the right slider assembly arm. Closing the left wing and the right wing together will grab the left and right ends of the shoelace with the left tweezer and the right tweezer, respectively, and opening the left wing and the right wing together will tie the ends into a bow.