Rotary Shoe Closure Latch With Snap Tab for Simpler Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary closure systems for shoes are complex and costly, making the assembly of their components difficult and time-consuming, as they often require many parts to meet the mechanical requirements of lacing and loosening the shoe effectively.

Innovation Solution

A latching system using a turnkey inserted through aligned keyways to secure the components of the rotary closure, with a tab that rotates to snap into place, preventing inadvertent unlatching, simplifying assembly and reducing component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rotary closure systems use multiple parts to meet mechanical requirements, then the lacing and loosening function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelacing and loosening functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated housing structure. The housing integrates the spool mounting, tensioning element guidance, and rotary knob support into one piece, eliminating the need for separate brackets and guides that would otherwise be required to achieve the same mechanical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the tensioning element, mounts the spool, and supports the rotary knob mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of parts while maintaining all necessary mechanical functions for lacing and loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional rotary closure systems use multiple parts to meet mechanical requirements, then the lacing and loosening function is achieved, but the assembly difficulty and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelacing and loosening functionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple components into a single housing, the assembly process is simplified from assembling multiple separate parts to installing one integrated component. This reduces assembly steps, fasteners, and alignment requirements, making manufacturing more efficient and less time-consuming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed as a modular integrated component that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete assembly. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of the housing itself while simplifying the overall assembly process of the rotary closure system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional rotary closure systems are designed to fulfill mechanical requirements, then the lacing function is achieved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical requirementsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple functions into a single housing reduces the total bill of materials, eliminates the need for multiple fasteners and connectors, and simplifies manufacturing processes. This leads to lower material costs, reduced assembly labor costs, and overall lower production expenses while maintaining all necessary mechanical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11633018B2Latching system for a rotary closure

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 PRIDE MANUFACTURING CO LLC

AI summary

A latching system used for a rotary closure of a shoe.