One-Handed Shoe Closure with Slider and Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoelace systems are difficult for children and individuals with limited dexterity to use, prone to becoming untied due to foot movement, and require frequent adjustments as feet swell, necessitating a system that can be easily tightened with one hand and allows for micro-adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A single shoelace closure system secured by a button and a slider that allows for one-handed tightening and micro-adjustments, with options including a strip of piping or a barrel for adjusting tightness, enabling easy removal and aesthetic customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional shoelaces are used, then the shoe can be tightened, but it requires two hands and dexterity to tie a bow
Solution Approach 1:
The shoelace system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed anchor point, a button for securing, and a slider for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for complex knot-tying while achieving the same tightening effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex knot-tying mechanism is extracted and replaced with simpler components. The bow-tying action is removed entirely, and取而代之 are a button for initial securing and a slider for adjustment, which can be operated with one hand without requiring dexterity.
2Reliability
If conventional shoelaces are used, then the shoe can be tightened, but it becomes prone to unintentional untying due to bow loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The button performs a preliminary securing action that prevents the shoelace from loosening during normal wear. By securing the lace at the button before any adjustment is made, the system establishes a baseline security that prevents unintentional untying, while still allowing controlled adjustment later.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary mechanism between the shoelace and the final secured state. It provides a controlled interface for adjustment while maintaining security through the button, preventing the lace from loosening during wear but allowing intentional adjustment when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shoelaces are used, then the shoe can be tightened initially, but it requires frequent retying as feet swell
Solution Approach 1:
The slider introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise static button fastening. While the button provides stable security, the slider allows the user to dynamically adjust the tightness of the shoelace in response to changing foot conditions such as swelling, without requiring complete untying and retying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the tension parameter of the shoelace through the slider mechanism. Users can adjust the tightness parameter in response to foot swelling or activity level changes, transforming a static fastening into an adaptable one that maintains comfort and fit over time.
4Ease of operation
If a single shoelace with button and slider is used, then one-handed tightening is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The button and slider are designed to be self-operating without requiring complex manipulation. The button can be pushed and held with one hand to secure the lace, and the slider can be slid along the piping to adjust tightness, both actions being naturally performable with single-hand dexterity without additional mechanical assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure system for a shoe includes a single shoelace which can be secured and tightened through the use of one hand. The shoe includes a button around which the shoelace is wrapped to facilitate easy removal of the shoe. In one embodiment one end of the shoelace is secured under the upper of the shoe near the toe and a second end of the shoelace is secured in a slider that is slidably mounted on the rear of the shoe to provide micro-adjustments of the tightness of the shoe. Alternatively, the shoe includes a strip of piping around the rear of the shoe and a slider in which the second end of the shoelace is secured slides along the piping when the user wants to make micro-adjustments. The adjustment of the tightness of the shoe can also be made by sliding a barrel that is located over the top of the tongue.