Motorized Footwear Tensioning Spool for Incremental Fit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear and apparel tensioning systems lack efficient automated mechanisms for adjusting fit, often requiring manual intervention and leading to inconsistent comfort and security.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tensioning system incorporating a spool system with a driveshaft, spool, engagement plate, and cam device, allowing for automatic tightening and loosening by transitioning between engaged and disengaged states, enabling customizable fit without continuous user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tensioning adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and fit consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized tensioning system automatically adjusts lacing tension without requiring continuous user intervention. The system uses a motor, spool, and cam device to self-regulate tension based on user input (e.g., touch or command), eliminating the need for manual cranking or adjustment while maintaining simplicity of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical lacing systems with an automated motorized system. The motor drives a spool that winds or unwinds laces, controlled by electronic sensors or user input, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electromechanical control to improve ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If continuous motor engagement is used, then automated tensioning is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates periodically rather than continuously, engaging only when tension adjustment is needed based on sensor input or user command. The cam device maintains tension position during idle periods, allowing the motor to remain stationary and conserve energy while still providing automated control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect tension levels and user intent, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the motor to engage only when adjustment is required, optimizing energy consumption by eliminating continuous operation while maintaining automated tensioning control.
3Ease of operation
If quick release mechanism is added, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release functionality is merged with the existing motorized spool system. The cam device and engagement plate are integrated into the same assembly that provides automated tensioning, allowing the system to perform both automated winding and quick release functions through a unified mechanical structure rather than adding separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam device serves multiple functions: it maintains engagement during tensioning, enables quick release when needed, and works with the motorized spool system. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate mechanisms, balancing quick release capability with acceptable device complexity.
4Reliability
If laces are tightly wound, then tensioning effectiveness improves, but risk of bird-nesting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam device extracts or separates the laces from the spool in a controlled manner during release operations. By using the cam's geometric profile to guide lace separation, the system prevents laces from becoming tangled or nested on the spool while maintaining effective tensioning during the engaged state.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam device acts as an intermediary between the spool and laces during engagement and disengagement. Its geometric profile mediates the interaction, ensuring smooth lace winding that prevents bird-nesting while maintaining reliable tension, and controlling lace release to prevent tangling.
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 system provides a customizable and comfortable fit by automatically adjusting tension, enhancing user convenience and reducing manual effort, while preventing 'bird-nesting' of laces and allowing quick release for easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
the cam device is configured to transmit torque to the engagement plate
Implementation Method 2
the driveshaft is configured to transmit torque to the cam device
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.