Silicone Lace with Identification Zone and BlocKnot Locking Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silicone elastomer shoelaces lack visual identity and tear resistance, and traditional lacing systems often result in knots that come undone, posing safety and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A silicone lace with a crosslinked elastomer and identification zone, featuring a 'BlocKnot' locking plate that enhances tear resistance and provides a secure, aesthetically appealing lacing system with improved knot retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional silicone elastomer laces are used, then elastic properties and comfort are achieved, but visual identity and aesthetic appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lace is divided into distinct functional segments: elastic strands for comfort, a rigid reinforcement core for structural integrity, and an identification zone with branding elements for visual identity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lace combines silicone elastomer material with rigid reinforcement elements (such as plastic or metal cores) to create a composite structure. This composite approach provides both the elastic comfort of silicone and the visual identity potential of structured materials with embedded branding.
2Strength
If conventional silicone elastomer laces are used, then elastic elongation properties are achieved, but tear resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid reinforcement core (plastic or metal) is embedded within the silicone elastomer lace to create a composite structure. This core significantly enhances tear resistance and structural integrity while the silicone exterior maintains elastic comfort properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements are strategically positioned in the lace structure where tear resistance is most needed, such as at the ends and along the grain direction, while maintaining flexibility in other areas. The identification zone also incorporates localized reinforcement.
3Reliability
If traditional knot lacing system is used, then laces can be tied to attach shoe to foot, but knots come undone causing safety and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional knot-tying operation is extracted and replaced with a locking mechanism integrated into the lace structure. The rigid core and identification zone work together with shoe loops to create a self-locking system that eliminates the need for manual knotting while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lace structure with its rigid core and identification zone automatically locks into the shoe loops through friction and geometric interlocking, providing self-service functionality that maintains reliability without requiring user intervention to tie or adjust knots.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is intended to provide silicone elastomer laces that are improved in terms of branding and/or ornamentation and/or tear strength and/or additional novel functions other than the mechanical properties and external appearance thereof, as well as a novel lacing solution. For this purpose, the invention relates first to a lace (1) for a shoe (2) equipped with a lace passage (3), the two edges (4, 5) of said passage having through-holes (7). The lace (1) essentially comprises at least one silicone elastomer that is at least partially cross-linked and includes one or more silicone polymers and fillers and, optionally, at least one of the following compounds: catalyst(s), cross-linking agent(s), pigment(s), parting agent(s), plasticiser(s), adhesion promoter(s). The lace is characterised in that it comprises, in the middle portion thereof, an identification zone (9) which is integral with the lace (1) and which, once the lace (1) has been passed through the through-holes (7, 7i) of the shoe (2), is intended to appear on the instep of the shoe (2), between the two lower through-holes (7i) located on either side, and at the base of, the lace passage (3) on the shoe (2). The invention also relates to a lace intended to be locked in place on the shoe (2) using a so-called "BlocKnot" plate (30) that is provided with multiple passages (20) for holding the lace (1) in place when the free ends of the strands (81) and (82) of the lace are interlaced through the passages (20) and gripped, preferably by passing the free ends of the strands (81) and (82) through the passages (20) in an alternating manner on the front and rear of the plate (30).