Sliding-Block Ratchet Lacing Device for Stable Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacing devices suffer from poor stability, low structural strength, and short service life, which hinders their universal application and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A lacing device with a ratchet mechanism featuring a winding wheel, upper cover, and slide channels, incorporating sliding blocks and an elastic member, allows for one-way rotation and stable engagement, and includes a torsional spring for lace recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is added to enable one-way rotation, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet teeth are directly integrated into the upper cover structure, merging the ratchet function with the cover body. This eliminates the need for separate ratchet components while maintaining the one-way rotation locking capability, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cover serves multiple functions: it protects internal components, provides the ratchet mechanism for one-way rotation, and includes the meshing surface for engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, balancing reliability improvement with complexity control
2Strength
If multiple sliding blocks with ratchet teeth are used, then the engagement strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into multiple sliding blocks distributed around the circumference, each providing independent engagement points. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple contact points, significantly improving overall engagement strength while allowing each individual block to be manufactured using standard processes
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding blocks are designed with optimized geometric parameters including the meshing surface angle (30° to 60°) and distribution pattern. These parameter optimizations enhance engagement strength through improved force distribution while maintaining manufacturability through standardized design features
3Reliability
If an elastic member is added to push sliding blocks outward, then the meshing engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically pushes the sliding blocks outward to maintain constant engagement pressure between the ratchet teeth and meshing surfaces. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliable meshing engagement without requiring external actuation or complex control systems, achieving high reliability with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides continuous contact force that maintains optimal engagement parameters under varying load conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures consistent meshing engagement reliability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
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 device provides enhanced stability, longer service life, and convenient lace fastening and releasing, with the torsional spring enabling semi-fastened laces for easy shoe wearing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member used for pushing the sliding blocks to slide towards the outside of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a torsional spring for lace recycling
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A lacing device, comprising a main body (4), a winding wheel (3) used for winding a lace, an upper cover (6) rotatably arranged on the main body (4), and a ratchet mechanism (5) used for realizing one-way rotation of the upper cover (6). The winding wheel (3) is rotatably arranged in the main body (4); the upper cover (6) and the winding wheel (3) can be connected or separated; the upper cover (6) comprises a cover body (61) and a side wall (62) arranged around the circumference of the cover body (61); there is a first meshing surface (63) on the inner side surface of the side wall (62); two or more slide channels (41) are formed in the upper end surface of the main body (4); the ratchet mechanism (5) comprises two or more sliding blocks (51) sliding along the slide channels (41) and an elastic member (52) used for pushing the sliding blocks (51) to slide towards the outside of the main body (4); and each sliding block (51) is provided with a first ratchet tooth (53) fitted with the first meshing surface (63) to achieve engagement.