Motorized Tensioning Device for Remote Shoe Closure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for articles like shoes and sports braces are often manual, requiring direct user interaction and lacking ease of operation, especially in motorized systems where increased convenience is desired.
Innovation Solution
A tension adjustment mechanism with a motorized tensioning device that allows wireless input from a user-friendly interface, enabling easy adjustment of tension in articles like cycling shoes, allowing for remote control and automatic tightening or loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized tensioning device is used to automatically adjust shoe tightness, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor that automatically tensions the lace. The motor receives electrical signals from a controller to rotate the spool, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical/automated systems directly improves ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized tensioning device enables the shoe closure system to adjust itself automatically based on input from sensors or user selections. The system can self-regulate tension levels without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the closure system to serve itself by automatically tightening or loosening the lace according to predetermined conditions or user commands.
2Ease of operation
If a remote control interface is added to adjust tension wirelessly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the user and the motorized tensioning device. This intermediary allows users to control the tension adjustment remotely through wireless signals (such as Bluetooth or RF communications), eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the device. The wireless interface acts as a mediator that transmits control commands from the user's remote device to the motor controller, improving ease of operation while adding complexity through the introduction of electronic communication components.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are integrated to detect activity conditions and automatically adjust tension, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect activity conditions (such as foot movement, pressure distribution, or environmental factors) and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts motor operation to optimize tension levels. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions, improving ease of operation by eliminating manual adjustment while accepting increased complexity through the addition of sensing and control electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a mechanism for wirelessly adjusting tension of an article includes a tension input component that is coupleable with a vehicle in an area that is easily accessible to a user. The tension input component is configured to receive input from the user corresponding to an adjustment of a motorized tensioning device that is attached to the article and that is configured to adjust a tension of a tension member. The tension input component is configured to wirelessly transmit the received input to the motorized tensioning device. Adjustment of the tension member tightens or loosens the article in accordance with the input received from the tension input component.