Shoelace Clamping Mechanism With Wedge Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for shoelaces require manual effort to maintain the open position, limiting one-handed operation and allowing only a fixed tightening degree due to complex designs and spring mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clamping mechanism comprising a base, a sliding part, and an elastic element, allowing the shoelaces to be locked and released by pulling in one direction, eliminating the need for manual force to maintain the open position and enabling adjustable tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to maintain the open position of the clamping device, then the device can be held open without manual effort, but the design becomes complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism from the clamping device, extracting the complex element that caused the contradiction. The device now relies on simple geometric locking through the wedge shape of the slider and its interaction with the base, eliminating the need for springs while maintaining the ability to hold the open position through proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active spring mechanism to maintain the open position, the invention inverts the approach by using the natural geometry of the wedge-shaped slider and base to create a passive locking system. The locking function is achieved through the complementary wedge shapes that naturally interlock when positioned correctly, reversing the conventional approach of using active mechanical elements.
2Device complexity
If a fixed spring force is used to determine tightening degree, then the clamping mechanism is simple, but the tightening degree cannot be adjusted to individual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed tightening mechanism into a dynamic, adjustable one. The slider can be freely positioned along the shoelace and locked at any location using the wedge-shaped locking mechanism, allowing the tightening degree to be dynamically adjusted to individual user needs while maintaining simple construction without springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is segmented into distinct functional components: the base with its locking feature, the movable wedge-shaped slider, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the slider position to achieve variable tightening degrees while keeping each component simple in design.
3Device complexity
If manual holding of the wedge is required to maintain open position, then the design is simple, but one hand must be continuously occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device performs the function of holding the open position through its own geometric design rather than requiring continuous manual intervention. The wedge-shaped slider and base create a self-locking mechanism that maintains the open state through proper positioning, allowing the device to serve itself and free the user's hand for other tasks.
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 provides a user-friendly, one-handed operation with adjustable tightening, reducing complexity and production costs while ensuring secure clamping without protruding parts, enhancing usability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element effective between base part and slider, against its force the clamping mechanism can be set into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping device (1) for shoelaces (2) or the like lacing devices with clamping jaws, between which the shoelace (2) can be locked in a closed position and moved back and forth in an open position, wherein the clamping device (1) is engageable in an open position wherein the engagement in an open position of the clamping device (1) is releasably by a movement of the shoelace (2) to be locked in a direction out of the pulling direction of the shoelace (2) as well as a shoe with a clamping device (1) in accordance to the invention.