Shoelace Structure with Interwoven Core for Anti-Slip Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoelace structures face challenges in ease of fabrication due to complex designs and increased production time, and they often slip or loosen over time due to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A shoelace structure comprising an outer sleeve, a liner, and an inner core with interwoven first and second weaving threads forming enlarged and separation portions, where the liner and inner core are designed to fit snugly within the sleeve, providing a secure and easy-to-tie solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If projections and reduced portions are arranged on a solid lace to prevent slippage, then the lace can be stopped by eyelets to prevent slipping due to external pulling force, but the outer appearance of the lace is decreased and the cost of fabrication is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lace is divided into three distinct segments: outer sleeve, liner, and inner core. The anti-slip function is specifically assigned to the inner core through enlarged portions, while the outer sleeve maintains aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between anti-slip performance and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip function is extracted from the overall lace structure and concentrated in the inner core component. The enlarged portions on the inner core provide the stopping mechanism at eyelets, while the outer sleeve and liner maintain smooth surfaces for appearance. This extraction separates the functional requirement from the aesthetic requirement.
2Reliability
If projections and reduced portions are provided on a solid lace to prevent slippage, then the lace can be stopped by eyelets, but the fabrication process becomes more difficult and working time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lace is divided into three manufacture-able segments that can be produced independently and assembled. The inner core with enlarged portions can be manufactured separately using standard extrusion or molding processes, then inserted into the liner and outer sleeve. This segmentation simplifies fabrication compared to creating projections on a solid lace.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner core is inserted into the liner, which is then inserted into the outer sleeve, creating a nested structure. This assembly process is simpler than attempting to form projections on a solid lace, as each component can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled through insertion.
3Reliability
If an inner core with projections formed by knotting is used in a hollow outer layer, then the projections can be stopped by eyelets to prevent slippage, but the inner core is not made easily and quickly, increasing working time
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip function is extracted and concentrated in the inner core with enlarged portions, which can be manufactured using efficient extrusion or molding processes rather than time-consuming knotting. This allows the inner core to be produced quickly and independently, then inserted into the outer layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The method of creating enlarged portions changes from knotting (manual, time-consuming) to extrusion or molding (automated, efficient). This parameter change in the manufacturing process dramatically increases production speed while maintaining the anti-slip function.
4Reliability
If an inner core is inserted into an outer layer, then the structure can provide anti-slip function, but it is not easy to insert the inner core into the outer layer, wasting time and energy of fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The inner core is designed to be inserted into the liner, which is then inserted into the outer sleeve, creating a nested assembly structure. The enlarged portions of the inner core create expanded sections in the liner that facilitate alignment and insertion. This nested design makes assembly straightforward compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner core is pre-formed with enlarged portions that correspond to recessed sections in the liner. This preliminary formation of matching geometries facilitates easy insertion and alignment during assembly, reducing the time and effort required for fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoelace structure includes an outer sleeve, a liner mounted in the outer sleeve, and an inner core mounted in the liner. The inner core includes a first weaving thread and a plurality of second weaving threads. The first weaving thread interweaves and intertwines with the second weaving threads, with the second weaving threads being secured to the first weaving thread, thereby defining a plurality of enlarged portions and a plurality of separation portions. The liner is squeezed by the enlarged portions of the inner core and defines a plurality of expanded sections and a plurality of recessed sections. The expanded sections of the liner respectively corresponds to the enlarged portions of the inner core, and the recessed sections of the liner respectively corresponds to the separation portions of the inner core.