Motorized Footwear Lacing System with Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacing systems require manual tying, which can be cumbersome and difficult for individuals with dexterity issues, and lack automatic adjustment capabilities for varying foot sizes and activities.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lacing system for footwear that includes a motorized gear train and lacing mechanism, controlled via a graphical user interface, allowing for electronic tightening and loosening of laces, integrated with a battery-powered motor and sensor system for adaptive fit adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tying is used for conventional footwear lacing systems, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with dexterity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tying system with an automated motorized system. A motor drives a gear train that winds the laces through a spool mechanism, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying operations. This substitution directly addresses the ease of operation for users with dexterity challenges while accepting increased device complexity through the incorporation of motor, gears, and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing system performs the tightening and loosening operations automatically without requiring user intervention in the actual tying process. The motorized mechanism self-regulates the lace tension based on user input through a control interface, enabling users with limited dexterity to adjust their footwear independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic adjustment capabilities are added to accommodate varying foot sizes and activities, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of lace tension based on different activities and foot conditions. The motorized mechanism can be controlled through a mobile application or physical interface, enabling users to adjust the fit dynamically during wear to accommodate swelling, different activities, or comfort preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing system is designed to serve multiple functions beyond simple tightening: it provides adjustable fit for different foot sizes, accommodates various activities (walking, running, standing), and can be controlled through multiple interfaces (mobile app, physical buttons). This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the modular design helps manage the inherent complexity.
3Productivity
If a motorized gear train and sensor system are integrated, then the productivity of lacing adjustment improves, but the weight of the moving object worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously - the motor activates only when adjustment is needed, winds the laces through a controlled number of rotations, then stops. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption and allows for lighter motor selection compared to continuous operation systems, partially mitigating the weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a compact gear train that provides mechanical advantage to achieve the required lace tension with a smaller, lighter motor. The gear reduction allows the motor to operate at lower power while still delivering sufficient torque for lacing adjustment, thereby reducing the motor weight and overall system weight.
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
Provides a convenient, adjustable, and adaptive lacing solution that simplifies shoe tightening and loosening, accommodating different foot sizes and activities, and is accessible for users with dexterity challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a motor disposed within the housing, the motor comprising a motor shaft and a motor gear
Data Source
AI summary
A lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper comprising a lateral side, a medial side, and an instep region, a housing disposed adjacent the instep region, wherein a first lace and a second lace extend through a plurality of eyelets along the upper and into the housing, a motor disposed within the housing, the motor comprising a motor shaft and a motor gear, and a gear train in communication with the motor gear. When the motor shaft rotates, the first lace and the second lace are drawn into the housing via a wheel gear that is in communication with the gear train.