Sports Shoe Collar Locking Mechanism for Ankle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoe locking mechanisms for the ankle joint are prone to untimely unlocking under heavy loads, leading to safety issues and premature fatigue due to localized stresses, and often require complete loosening of the collar to switch between locked and unlocked positions.
Innovation Solution
A sports shoe with a locking mechanism that independently blocks the collar's rotation relative to the shell, using a rocker pivotally mounted perpendicular to the collar's articulation axis, which is driven by a lever and includes a spring for elastic return, allowing for low-energy operation and resistance to heavy loads without affecting collar tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rocker mechanism with pivot axis parallel to the sole is used, then the collar rotation can be blocked, but the mechanism is prone to untimely unlocking under heavy loads and experiences premature fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the rocker's pivot axis orientation from parallel to the sole (prior art) to perpendicular to the sole (invention). This inversion changes the load distribution fundamentally - the new orientation positions the pivot axis to better withstand heavy downward loads during jumps and activities, preventing untimely unlocking and reducing localized stresses that cause premature fatigue at attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the rocker mechanism by rotating its pivot axis 90 degrees from a horizontal orientation (parallel to sole) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to sole). This dimensional change allows the mechanism to better handle loads in the vertical direction while maintaining its blocking function, effectively resolving the reliability-strength contradiction.
2Reliability
If a lever mechanism is used to drive the rocker, then the collar can be locked, but the mechanism requires complete loosening of the collar to switch between locked and unlocked positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism's functionality by introducing a translating bolt that operates independently from the collar's tightening function. The bolt has its own drive mechanism (lever or button) that can engage or disengage the locking position without affecting the collar's tightness around the calf, allowing users to lock/unlock while maintaining comfortable collar fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating bolt acts as an intermediary element between the user's locking action and the collar's position. Instead of directly coupling collar loosening with locking/unlocking, the bolt mediates this interaction by providing a separate engagement mechanism that can block collar rotation independently, thus decoupling the two functions and improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a translating bolt mechanism is used, then the collar can be locked, but the mechanism has large size and significant projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic translating bolt mechanism that moves linearly along a constrained path within the collar structure. The bolt translates from a retracted position (unlocked) to an extended position (locked), engaging with corresponding features in the collar. This dynamic linear motion allows for a compact design with minimal projection, as the bolt's travel distance is limited and it integrates within the existing collar geometry rather than adding external bulk.
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 mechanism provides reliable ankle support, reduces the risk of untimely unlocking, and extends the lifespan of the locking mechanism by distributing stress more evenly, allowing for seamless transitions between locked and unlocked positions without loosening the collar.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (26) which is wound around the pivot (23) and which forms elastic return means for the rocker (22) in the opening (018), which oppose the withdrawal of the rocker outside the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
This sports shoe (C) includes a lower shell (2) for supporting the user's foot, having a sole (4) which extends longitudinally along a first axis (X1), a collar (8) for supporting the user's calf, which is articulated with the lower shell around a second axis (X2) perpendicular to the first axis, means (M1) for tightening the collar around the user's calf, and a mechanism (M2) for blocking the rotation of the collar backwards relative to the lower shell, cooperating with a spoiler (16), which is articulated on the lower shell around a third axis (X3) parallel to and not coincident with the second axis, and which is disposed in the rear part inside the collar, this blocking mechanism (M2) comprising a rocker (22),which is pivotally mounted relative to the collar (8) about an axis (X4) transverse to the base (4) and a lever (24) for pushing the rocker into a housing (O22) jointly delimited by an opening (O16) formed in the spoiler (16) and an opening (O18) formed in the collar when the collar is in a forward position (Figure 4) relative to the bottom of the hull. The locking mechanism (M2) is independent of the means (M1) for clamping the collar (8). The lever (24) is pivotally mounted on the rocker (22) about an axis (X5) parallel to the axis of rotation (X4) of the rocker.