Shape Memory Polymer Shoe Closure Device for Compact Auto Lacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe closure devices for auto lacing are often bulky, noisy, and difficult to maintain, lacking a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that leverages the intrinsic shape fixing and shape recovery properties of shape memory polymers.
Innovation Solution
A shoe closure device utilizing shape memory polymer strips, electrically-powered heaters, a rechargeable battery, and a controller with a microprocessor to heat the strips and actuate the lacing mechanism, providing a lightweight, easy-to-handle auto lacing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional motor-driven automatic lacing systems are used, then the lacing function is automated, but the shoe size becomes large and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional motor-driven mechanical system with a shape memory polymer-based system. The SMP strips undergo phase transition when heated by heating elements, causing them to contract and tighten the laces automatically. This eliminates the need for motors, gearboxes, and complex mechanical components, significantly reducing the device volume and shoe size while maintaining full automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of shape memory polymers. When the SMP strips are heated to their transition temperature by the heating elements, they undergo a phase change from a relaxed state to a contracted state, automatically tightening the laces. This phase transition mechanism replaces bulky mechanical actuators and enables compact automatic lacing system integration into the shoe structure
2Extent of automation
If conventional motor-driven automatic lacing systems are used, then the lacing function is automated, but noisy motor sounds are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates motors and mechanical drive systems entirely, replacing them with thermally-actuated shape memory polymer strips. The SMP material contracts smoothly through phase transition when heated, producing no mechanical noise, vibrations, or motor sounds. This substitution resolves the noise issue inherent in conventional motor-driven automatic lacing systems while preserving full automation capability
3Extent of automation
If conventional motor-driven automatic lacing systems are used, then the lacing function is automated, but maintainability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (motors, gearboxes, cables, pulleys) with a simple thermal actuation system consisting of heating elements and shape memory polymer strips. The SMP strips are integrated into the shoe structure and require no external power transmission mechanisms. This simplification dramatically improves maintainability by eliminating multiple moving parts that can fail, reducing the system to basic electrical heating components and passive polymer material that are inherently more reliable and easier to service
4Extent of automation
If conventional automatic lacing systems are used, then the lacing function is automated, but cost-effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive motor assemblies, precision mechanical components, and complex control mechanisms. The SMP-based system uses simple resistive heating elements and passive shape memory polymer strips that can be manufactured at lower cost. The elimination of motors and mechanical transmission systems significantly reduces material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing overhead, making the automatic lacing function more cost-effective
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes shape memory polymers as composite materials that combine structural and actuation functions. The SMP strips serve both as the lacing tensioning mechanism and as the actuator, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components. This multi-functionality of composite materials reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining automatic operation capability
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 solution enables a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient auto lacing system that is quieter and easier to maintain, utilizing shape memory polymer strips to securely close shoes without the need for manual lacing.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory shoe fastener comprising a plurality of shape memory polymer strips
Implementation Method 2
a first electrically-powered heater positioned above the shape-memory shoe fastener; a second electrically-powered heater positioned beneath the shape memory shoe fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe closure device comprising: a housing including a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion; a shape memory shoe fastener; a first electrically-powered heater positioned above the shape-memory shoe fastener; a second electrically-powered heater positioned beneath the shape memory shoe fastener; a rechargeable battery positioned within the housing and electrically communicating with each of the first and second electrically-powered heaters; a controller electrically communicating with the rechargeable battery and positioned within the housing, the controller including a microprocessor, a battery charging control circuit, and a wireless charging receiver, the controller configured to heat the shape memory shoe fastener to return each of the shape memory polymer strips to the shape-recovered configuration to close a shoe; an actuator communicating with the controller to actuate the controller to heat the shape memory shoe fastener.