Segmented Flexible Resilient Shoelace for Motor Skill Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoelaces are difficult for young children and individuals with physical disabilities to tie and maintain due to lack of sufficient rigidity and safety concerns with metal components, and existing solutions do not fully address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible but resilient shoelace made of a soft core coated with microcrystalline wax, encased in a sheath and an outer shell, with optional additional support elements and an adhesive film sleeve, providing increased strength and ease of use without metal hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional soft shoelaces are used, then flexibility is maintained, but knot-tying difficulty increases and knot security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoelace is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flexible limp body portion for comfort and movement, and rigid end portions for knot-tying and security. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shoelace have different physical properties: the body portion remains soft and flexible while the end portions become rigid. This local quality differentiation enables the shoelace to provide both ease of operation in the flexible region and knot security in the rigid region.
2Strength
If metal support elements are added to increase rigidity, then knot security improves, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, non-metallic rigid end portions made from safe materials that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for permanent metal components while maintaining knot security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful metal components are completely extracted from the shoelace design. The rigid end portions are made from alternative safe materials that provide the necessary structural support without the safety hazards associated with metal.
3Ease of operation
If rigid end portions are added to facilitate knot-tying, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid end portions are integrated directly into the shoelace structure as extensions of the lace body, rather than being separate attached components. This merging approach simplifies the overall device while providing the necessary rigid functionality for easy knot-tying.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid end portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for knot formation, maintain knot security once tied, and can be used for both shoe closure and as teaching aids for motor skill development, reducing the need for separate devices.
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 shoelace design allows for easier knot-tying and maintains knot security, addressing the challenges faced by children and individuals with disabilities while being safe and versatile for multiple applications.
Implementation Method 1
a bendable support element comprising a support element core coated with a wax coating compound
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved shoelace to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.