Spool Routing Structure for Collision-Free Lace Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spools for automatic tightening devices face challenges in efficiently coupling and routing laces due to interconnected routing paths, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions, which hinder smooth operation and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The spool design features separate grade crossing routing paths with distinct entry and exit holes, allowing for subtended routing that minimizes path interference and facilitates independent lace handling, enhancing coupling efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If interconnected routing paths are used in the spool, then the structure is simpler, but the lace coupling efficiency decreases and path collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The routing path is divided into multiple independent segments (first routing path and second routing path) that are spatially separated. Each path has its own insertion hole and exit hole, preventing interference between laces while maintaining structured organization. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing simple individual paths without the complexity of interconnected routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first routing path and second routing path are positioned at different angles and heights within the spool, creating a three-dimensional separation. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple paths to coexist without collision, improving coupling efficiency while keeping each path structurally simple.
2Productivity
If multiple lace ends are handled simultaneously, then the assembly speed increases, but the routing accuracy decreases due to path interference
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lace ends are routed through separate, dedicated paths (first routing path for one lace end, second routing path for another lace end). Each path is independently configured with its own insertion and exit holes, eliminating interference between simultaneous lace handling operations. This segmentation enables both high assembly speed and maintained routing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool structure acts as an intermediary that guides and separates multiple lace ends through distinct routing paths. The axial cylinder and base plates provide structured intermediaries (guiding surfaces and defined pathways) that ensure each lace end follows its designated route accurately, even when multiple laces are being assembled simultaneously.
3Length of moving object
If the spool height is reduced for miniaturization, then the device size decreases, but the lace routing space becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The routing paths utilize three-dimensional space within the spool by varying their spatial orientations and positions. Instead of extending vertically through the entire height, the paths are arranged at different angles and depths within the axial cylinder, maximizing the use of available volume. This allows adequate routing space while maintaining a compact overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing paths are nested within the axial cylinder structure, with laces passing through the inner chamber in a compact arrangement. The multiple routing paths are organized in a nested configuration where each path is contained within the overall spool structure without requiring excessive vertical space, enabling miniaturization while preserving routing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A spool, a tightening device with the spool, and a coupling method of the spool and a lace are provided. A first free end and a second free end of the lace are routed in subtended directions along a first routing path and a second routing path, respectively. The first routing path and the second routing path are designed in separate grade crossing structure. Even if the first free end and the second free end are routed simultaneously, they will not collide with each other. When the lace is knotted, there is no strict requirement for the length of a reserved tail of the lace. Even if the tail of the lace is left outside a housing, the tail of the lace can be wound onto the spool by rotating the spool, without affecting the normal operation of the tightening device. The method achieves easy, quick, and accurate lace coupling.