Reel Closure Spool Coupling for Knot-Free Lace Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for articles such as shoes and clothing often require complex knotting or alteration of tension members, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for securing or adjusting the fit.
Innovation Solution
A reel-based closure system featuring a housing with a spool component and a tightening mechanism that allows for easy tensioning of a lace or tension member without the need for knots, using a coupling component that frictionally engages with the tension member for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure systems use knotting or alteration of tension members, then the article can be secured about the body part, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional knotting mechanical system with a reel-based tensioning system. The reel component winds the tension member around itself to create secure attachment points, eliminating the need for complex knotting operations while maintaining reliable securing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling component as an intermediary between the tension member and the spool. This coupling component frictionally engages with the tension member, providing a simple interface that requires no knotting or alteration of the tension member itself, thereby reducing closure time while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If conventional closure systems require knotting or alteration of tension members, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical operation of knotting with the simpler operation of winding a tension member around a reel. The reel's rotational movement naturally creates secure loops and attachments without requiring the user to learn or execute complex knotting techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling component serves as an intermediary that simplifies the attachment process. It frictionally engages with the tension member through a simple insertion and rotation motion, eliminating the need for users to perform complex knotting or alteration operations while ensuring secure attachment.
3Productivity
If a coupling component frictionally engages with the tension member, then quick attachment is achieved, but the coupling component must be separate from the tension member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closure system into distinct components: the tension member, the coupling component, and the spool with reel. This segmentation allows the coupling component to be a separate element that can frictionally engage with the tension member for quick attachment, while the overall system remains coordinated through the spool mechanism.
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
Enables quick and secure tightening of articles by rotating the spool within the housing, providing a convenient and efficient method to adjust the fit without the need for complex knotting or alteration of the tension member.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling component frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed about the tension member
Implementation Method 2
The coupling component is configured so that the coupling component frictionally engages with the distal end of the tension member to fixedly secure the coupling component to the coupling component
Data Source
AI summary
A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.