Automatic Shoe-Lacing System with Tensioning Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic shoe-lacing systems often result in twisted and unevenly disposed shoelaces, leading to discomfort and poor appearance of the shoe.

Innovation Solution

An automatic shoe-lacing system utilizing a robotic arm unit and hook units to securely pass shoelace end portions through eyelets on a shoe upper, with the hook unit moving between initial and finished positions to tension and secure the lace, ensuring even lacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a conventional automatic shoe-lacing machine is used, then the shoe-lacing process can be automated, but the shoelace is liable to be twisted and unevenly disposed onto the shoe upper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of shoe-lacing processVSAvoidevenness and smoothness of lace disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A tensioning device is introduced as an intermediary component between the robotic arm and the shoelace. This device actively tensions the shoelace during the lacing process, preventing twisting and ensuring even disposal on the shoe upper, while maintaining automation of the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary tensioning of the shoelace before it is fully disposed on the shoe upper. The tensioning device pre-tensions the lace during the lacing process, preventing twisting issues that would otherwise occur during subsequent wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the shoelace is disposed without active tensioning, then the lacing process is simpler, but the shoelace becomes twisted and uncomfortable for the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of lacing processVSAvoidtwisting and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of an uncontrolled flexible shoelace into a benefit by using the tensioning device to actively manage the lace tension. The flexibility that could cause twisting is transformed into an advantage where the lace can be evenly disposed when properly tensioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10939731B2Method for securing a shoelace onto a shoe upper and an automatic shoe-lacing system

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 POU CHEN CORPORATION

AI summary

An automatic shoe-lacing system includes a support unit for supporting a shoe upper thereon, a robotic arm unit disposed to hold an end portion of a shoelace to move along an eyelet passing path through predetermined shoelace eyelets of the shoe upper, and at least one hook unit. The hook unit has a hook disposed to hold and tense a flexible lace body of the shoelace to prevent twist of the shoelace during the shoe-lacing operation.