Retractable Wheel Bracket for Inline Skating Shoe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sneaker and inline skate combinations are inefficient for transportation due to slow speed and the hassle of switching between shoe and skate modes, limiting their use for recreational purposes only.
Innovation Solution
A sneaker with retractable roller wheels that can be manually switched between walking and skating modes using a latch mechanism, allowing the wheels to pivot between retracted and deployed positions for efficient inline skating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheel is attached to the heel of a sneaker, then the sneaker can be used for wheeling around, but the speed is very slow and it is not an effective mode of transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable. The wheel bracket can pivot between a retracted position (where the wheel is stored within the shoe) and a deployed position (where the wheel extends outward for skating). This dynamic transformation allows the sneaker to adapt between walking mode and skating mode, resolving the contradiction between versatility and speed by enabling fast transportation when needed while maintaining sneaker functionality when the wheel is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is segmented into separate components: a wheel base attached to the sole, a wheel bracket that pivots, and the wheel itself that rotates on the bracket. This segmentation allows the wheel components to be independently positioned and controlled, enabling the wheel to be deployed for speed when needed and retracted when not needed, thus resolving the speed-versatility contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If inline skates are used for recreational purposes, then users can enjoy skating, but replacing inline skates and shoes is a hassle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sneaker and inline skate into a single integrated unit. The wheel assembly is built into the sneaker structure, with the wheel base attached to the sole and the wheel bracket integrated with the shoe's upper material. This merging eliminates the need to separate or replace components, allowing users to quickly transition between walking and skating modes by simply deploying or retracting the wheel assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is pre-configured within the sneaker structure during manufacturing. The wheel base is pre-attached to the sole, and the wheel bracket is pre-integrated with the upper material. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment and retraction of the wheel without requiring complex assembly or disassembly operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
3Speed
If the wheel bracket pivots away from the wheel base for deployed position, then the wheel can be used for skating, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel bracket is designed as a dynamic component that pivots on a pivot axis. This simple rotational mechanism allows the wheel to transition between retracted and deployed positions without requiring complex actuation systems. The dynamic pivoting action enables skating speed when deployed while maintaining relatively simple structure through the use of a straightforward hinge joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel bracket serves multiple functions: it supports the wheel, enables rotation for skating, and provides pivoting motion for deployment and retraction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving the desired skating performance.
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 fast transportation on various terrains while maintaining comfort, allowing users to switch between walking and skating modes quickly without removing the shoes, enhancing the utility of the sneaker for commuting.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel bracket pivotally attached to the wheel base; wherein the wheel assemblies comprise a deployed position comprising the wheel bracket pivoting away from the wheel base
Implementation Method 2
at least one wheel rotatably secured to the wheel bracket
Implementation Method 3
the first corner comprises a track stem slidably engaged with a track guide slot formed in the wheel base
Implementation Method 4
a locking mechanism operable to lock the wheel assembly in the deployed position and retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
An inline skating shoe is provided. The shoe includes a sole on the bottom with a wheel recess. The present invention may include at least one wheel assembly within the wheel recess, such as a plurality of wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly may include a wheel base attached to the sole, a wheel bracket pivotally attached to the wheel base, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the wheel bracket. The wheel assemblies include a deployed position in which the wheel bracket is pivoted away from the wheel base and a retracted position in which the wheel bracket is pivoted towards the wheel base.