Pre-curved Tension Member Guides for Lacing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure or tightening systems for articles, such as footwear, often face challenges in efficiently routing and tensioning tension members or laces, leading to frictional issues and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
The development of guides made from woven or polymer materials, featuring a pre-curved design and a shim to maintain the loop open, which minimizes friction and enhances the operable life of the lace guide and tension member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional guide members are used to route the tension member, then the closure system can be assembled, but frictional engagement and pressure points occur leading to reduced operational life
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is pre-curved during manufacturing to match the natural curvature that will exist during use. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the tension member is routed through, it follows the pre-formed curve, reducing frictional engagement and pressure points that would otherwise cause wear and reduce operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member incorporates a pre-curved configuration with a specific radius of curvature designed to match the natural curve of the tension member during tensioning. This curved geometry distributes contact forces more evenly and reduces localized pressure points, thereby reducing frictional engagement and extending the operational life of both the guide and tension member.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the guide member is made rigid to maintain its shape, then structural stability is improved, but it cannot accommodate the natural curve of the tension member under load
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member's curvature radius is specifically engineered to match the natural curve of the tension member under load. By optimizing this geometric parameter, the guide maintains its structural stability while simultaneously accommodating the tension member's natural curvature, ensuring smooth routing and reduced friction without requiring the guide to be overly flexible.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shim is added to maintain the loop open, then friction is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A shim is introduced as an intermediary component between the guide member and the tension member. This shim maintains the loop configuration open, preventing the guide from bunching up and reducing frictional engagement. While it adds a component, the shim is simple in design and integrates easily into the existing guide structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide for routing a lace or tension member about an article includes a material strip having a longitudinal length and a lateral width. The material strip is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop within which the lace or tension member is disposed. The material strip has or defines a center portion and two end portions along the lateral width. The guide includes a pre-curve so that a curvature in the loop is present or defined while the guide is in a relaxed or untensioned state.