Rotatable Quarter Panel Footwear Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear designs often complicate the process of putting on and securing shoes, particularly due to complex lacing systems and limited access from the rear heel area, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foot support system with medial and lateral side members connected by a hinge system that allows for easy rotation between foot-insertion and foot-containing configurations, facilitated by a locking and switching mechanism that can operate in a hands-free manner, enhancing ease of entry and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lacing systems are used, then the footwear can be securely fastened, but the process of putting on and securing the shoes becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the quarter panels rotatable relative to the vamps, allowing the footwear to transition between open and closed configurations. This dynamic mechanism replaces static lacing systems with movable quarter panels that can be rotated into place, enabling secure fastening through rotation rather than complex lacing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the footwear upper into distinct components: vamps and quarter panels that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the quarter panels to be rotated separately from the vamps, simplifying the donning process while maintaining secure fastening capability through the segmented, movable structure.
2Strength
If conventional footwear designs are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but access from the rear heel area is limited and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the quarter panels to rotate outward from the rear heel area, creating easy access for foot insertion. The rotational mechanism maintains structural integrity while allowing the quarter panels to open wide at the heel for convenient entry, then secure tightly when rotated into the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the quarter panels with rotation axes positioned to automatically align and secure when the foot is inserted. The heel counter and quarter panel geometry are designed in advance to guide the panels into their secured position during the foot insertion process, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations.
3Ease of operation
If rotatable quarter panels are implemented, then ease of entry is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to hinge and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the quarter panel rotation and locking mechanism to operate automatically during foot insertion. The heel counter and quarter panel geometry create natural mechanical leverage that drives the panels into their secured position without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex locking systems. The structure serves itself through its own geometry and the force of foot insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the heel counter as an intermediary element that mediates between the quarter panels and the foot. The heel counter provides the rotation axis and structural support for the quarter panels, enabling easy entry while simplifying the overall mechanism. This intermediary component allows the quarter panels to rotate and secure without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages between all moving parts.
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems (and articles of footwear including them) include: (a) a medial side member having one or more medial side supports (e.g., ribs); (b) a lateral side member having one or more lateral side supports (e.g., ribs); and (c) structure (such as a hinge system) configured to move the foot support system (e.g., the medial side support(s) with respect to the lateral side support(s)) between: (a) a foot-insertion configuration and (b) a foot-containing configuration. In moving from the foot-insertion configuration to the foot-containing configuration, the foot support system can be changed between an open condition and a closed condition.