Sole-Integrated Footwear Lacing With Pulley Feedback and Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear tightening systems are time-consuming to adjust and release tension, often requiring external mechanisms that detract from aesthetics and are prone to wear, lacking efficient means to quickly tighten or loosen the fit.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic lacing system with a cable lock and pulley mechanism that provides audible and tactile feedback, allowing the shoe to be easily transitioned between tightened and loosened states through a locking device integrated into the sole structure, enabling quick adjustments and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tightening systems use external tightening mechanisms, then the fit can be adjusted, but the aesthetics of the footwear are compromised and the mechanism is prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the sole structure of the footwear, specifically integrated into the midsole or insole. The cable passes through a cavity in the midsole and engages with the locking device, which remains concealed within the footwear structure. This nesting approach eliminates external visible mechanisms while maintaining the tightening function.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable serves as an intermediary element that transmits force from a remote control point to the locking mechanism. The cable allows the wearer to adjust the fit by pulling at a convenient location away from the foot, while the actual tightening action occurs through the cable engaging with the locking device integrated into the sole structure.
2Ease of operation
If known tightening systems require manual manipulation of the tightening mechanism, then the desired fit can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-configured with a locking member and biasing member that automatically engage when the cable is tensioned. The biasing member pre-loads the locking mechanism, so that simply pulling the cable triggers the automatic locking action without requiring manual manipulation or multiple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the cable tension. When the wearer pulls the cable, the tension automatically causes the locking member to engage with the cable, securing the desired fit without requiring the wearer to manually operate any additional components or mechanisms.
3Productivity
If known tightening systems use a single pulley system, then the structure is simple, but the wearer cannot quickly release the tension to remove the footwear
Solution Approach 1:
The single pulley system is segmented into two distinct pulleys: a first pulley for tensioning the cable and a second pulley for releasing the tension. This segmentation allows independent control of tightening and loosening functions, enabling quick release by operating only the second pulley without affecting the overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states based on cable tension. When tension is applied to release the footwear, the locking member automatically disengages, allowing rapid transition from a secured state to a released state without requiring manual intervention on the locking mechanism itself.
4Ease of operation
If the tightening mechanism is incorporated onto the exterior of the upper, then it is accessible for adjustment, but the appearance and aesthetics of the footwear are detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the sole structure of the footwear, specifically integrated into the midsole or insole. The cable passes through a cavity in the midsole and engages with the locking device, which remains concealed within the footwear structure. This nesting approach eliminates external visible mechanisms while maintaining the tightening function.
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
Enables rapid and secure fitting by allowing incremental tension adjustments and easy release of the shoe, enhancing user convenience and maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
a first pulley and a second pulley that receive different portions of the cable and are operable to rotate relative to the housing when the cable is translated relative to and within the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An article of footwear comprises an upper defining an interior void, a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable attached to the upper and moveable in a tightening direction to decrease a volume of the interior void of the upper and in a loosening direction to increase a volume of the interior void of the upper, and a locking device operable between a locked state to prevent movement of the cable and an unlocked state to permit movement of the cable, the locking having a housing attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and receiving the cable therethrough. The housing includes a pulley rotatably disposed therein, whereby the pulley is engaged by the cable and configured cooperate with the housing to provide audible or tactile feedback when the pulley is rotated by cable.