Shoe Lacing Mechanism with Automatic Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe lacing systems with electric motor-operated rotating closures require user intervention for an extended period to achieve desired tensioning force levels, which is inconvenient and requires frequent adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to select different tensioning force levels by generating specific closing signals, such as single, double, or triple taps on a button, to control an electric motor-driven rotating closure, enabling easy adaptation of lacing tension without prolonged handling effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user operates the electric motor by pressing the switch continuously, then the desired tensioning force level can be achieved, but the lacing process requires extended time and repeated user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lacing operationVSAvoidtime required for lacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system stores multiple tensioning force levels in advance (first, second, and third levels). When the user activates the electric motor, the system automatically progresses through these pre-defined levels without requiring continuous user input. This preliminary preparation of tensioning levels eliminates the need for prolonged switch pressing and reduces user intervention time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically advancing through pre-stored tensioning levels after initial activation. Once the user presses the switch once, the control system autonomously cycles through the first, second, and third tensioning levels, adjusting the tensioning element accordingly without requiring the user to hold the switch or make repeated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user manually adjusts the tensioning force level at each lacing, then the desired tension can be achieved, but the handling effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of tensioning forceVSAvoidease of lacing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the tensioning force level automatically based on pre-programmed sequences. Instead of requiring static manual adjustment, the control system dynamically cycles through first, second, and third tensioning levels after a single user activation, providing adaptable tension while minimizing user effort and interaction complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11317678B2Shoe with lacing mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 PUMA SE

AI summary

A shoe is disclosed that includes an upper having a closure mechanism that is arranged for lacing the shoe by at least one tensioning element, a rotatably arranged tensioning roller disposed within the closure mechanism, the tensioning roller being driven by an electric motor, and a closing button in communication with a control system for generating a closing signal that is configured to actuate the electric motor to lace the shoe. The closure mechanism is configured to tighten the shoe with a first level of lacing power when a first closing signal is generated and tighten the shoe with a second level of lacing power when a second closing signal is generated.