Rotating Cleat Traction Device for Ice Grip and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal traction devices for footwear often compromise between comfort and traction, with aggressive traction mechanisms wearing quickly or being uncomfortable, and durable mounting of metallic elements being difficult and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A personal traction device featuring a ringshaped elastomeric member with downwardly projecting tabs and a stainless wire rope cable assembly, integrated with cross-shaped cleats and spacers that rotate for optimal edge engagement with slippery surfaces, providing both comfort and long-term wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aggressive traction mechanisms such as outwardly projecting metal spikes are used, then excellent traction on icy surfaces is achieved, but the device becomes uncomfortable to walk on and suffers from rapid wear
Solution Approach 1:
The cleats are designed to rotate dynamically as the user walks, automatically orienting their sharp edges to engage with icy surfaces when needed while rotating away to provide a smoother surface during normal walking. This dynamic rotation allows the same structure to provide both aggressive traction when required and comfort during normal use
2Reliability
If outwardly projecting metal spikes are used for traction, then excellent grip is achieved, but the device suffers from rapid wear and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cleat mechanism allows the sharp edges to engage with ice only during the specific phase of walking when traction is needed, rather than being constantly engaged. This reduces wear on the metallic edges while maintaining excellent traction performance when required
3Reliability
If metallic members such as spikes or studs are mounted to flexible cross straps, then traction is provided, but durable mounting becomes difficult and costly to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible cable assembly that can be mounted within the boot without requiring durable attachment of metallic members to flexible straps. The cable runs through guides and connects to mounting straps, eliminating the need for complex and fragile mounting of spikes or studs to flexible materials
4Ease of operation
If low-profile chains or coiled spring-like members are used across the sole, then comfort is improved, but traction characteristics become less aggressive
Solution Approach 1:
The cleats are designed to rotate into an engaged position with sharp edges pointing downward when the user needs traction on ice, providing aggressive traction characteristics. During normal walking, the cleats rotate to a disengaged position that is smoother and more comfortable, combining both comfort and aggressive traction capability in a single dynamic structure
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
The device offers excellent traction on icy surfaces while maintaining comfort and durability, with the rotating cleats ensuring stable equilibrium and self-cleaning action, and the wire rope design accommodating irregular surfaces for enhanced grip and reduced wear.
Implementation Method 1
A generally ringshaped elastomeric member 24 is stretched around the boot, above the sole of the boot. The elastic properties of that member 24, as well as the friction between the member and the boot, secure that member in place.
Implementation Method 2
The friction between the member and the boot, secure that member in place
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a personal traction device that includes a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear.