Rotary Shoe Closure Latch With Turnkey Snap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary closure systems for shoes are complex and costly, with difficult and time-consuming assembly processes due to the numerous components involved, making it challenging to effectively latch and unlatch the system without mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A latching system using a turnkey mechanism that inserts through aligned keyways in the housing, dial, snap spring assembly, and spool, with a tab that rotates to snap into place, securing the components together and preventing inadvertent unlatching, simplifying the assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rotary closure systems use multiple components to achieve reliable lacing and slacking functions, then the mechanical requirements are fulfilled, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (housing, dial, spool, and latching mechanism) into a single integrated rotary closure assembly. The housing contains all internal components, the dial integrates the turning mechanism with the spool, and the latching feature is built into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate latching components and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining mechanical reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the spool and tensioning element, guides the lace, and incorporates the latching mechanism. The dial both rotates to wind the tensioning element and engages with the latching feature to secure the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed
2Reliability
If conventional rotary closure systems use multiple components to ensure secure latching, then the latching reliability improves, but the assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is integrated into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate component. The latching feature is formed as part of the housing mold, and the dial engages directly with this integrated feature, eliminating the need for separate latching components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure latching
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotary closure systems use complex multi-component designs, then the mechanical functionality is achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single molded housing assembly, reducing the total part count. The housing is molded as a single piece containing all internal features, and the latching mechanism is built into the housing structure. This consolidation reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and inventory complexity, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining full mechanical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions (structural support, component containment, lace guidance, and latching), eliminating the need for separate components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, directly reducing production costs
Data Source
AI summary
A latching system used for a rotary closure of a shoe.