Motorized Footwear Lacing System with Induction Charging
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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 article of footwear with an automatic lacing system featuring a motorized gear assembly and light sources, integrated within a housing along the tongue, allowing for tactile control and visual feedback, enabling users to tighten or loosen laces via swipes or taps on a control panel, with battery charging via induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tying is used in conventional footwear lacing systems, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, 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 spool that winds or unwinds the lace, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying. This substitution directly improves ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of motor, spool, and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment of lace tension through automated control mechanisms. Users can adjust lacing tension without manual dexterity requirements, as the motorized system performs the adjustment service automatically in response to user input via controls such as buttons, switches, or wireless communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lacing systems are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the adaptability to varying foot sizes and activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static lacing configuration to a dynamic, adjustable one. The motorized spool mechanism allows continuous adjustment of lace tension and length, enabling the footwear to adapt to different foot sizes, shapes, and activity requirements. This dynamic capability provides versatility while managing device complexity through integrated control systems.
3Ease of operation
If an automatic lacing system with motor and gear assembly is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the weight of the footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a lightweight motor and compact gear assembly that provides sufficient power for lace adjustment without over-engineering. By selecting appropriate motor size and gear ratio, the design achieves the necessary ease of operation while minimizing the added weight to acceptable levels for footwear applications.
4Ease of operation
If tactile control and visual feedback systems are added, then the ease of operation improves, but the use of energy by the footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system uses LED indicators that operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The tactile control system activates components only when user input is detected, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through responsive feedback and control mechanisms.
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 effortless lace adjustment, accommodating different foot sizes and activities, enhancing convenience and accessibility for users with dexterity challenges, while maintaining secure fit and battery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electronics assembly including at least a motor and a gear assembly. A first lace extends from the housing through a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first lace is drawn into the housing when the motor is activated by a user
Implementation Method 2
an electronics assembly including at least a motor and a gear assembly
Implementation Method 3
battery charging via induction
Data Source
AI summary
A lacing system for an article of footwear has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The system includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper having a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, a housing that is disposed along the tongue and entirely within the midfoot region, and an electronics assembly enclosed entirely within the housing. The electronics assembly includes at least a motor and a gear assembly. A first lace extends from the housing through a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first lace is drawn into the housing when the motor is activated by a user.