Spool Lace Securing Mechanism for Automatic Tension Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe lace securement mechanisms are difficult for children and individuals with disabilities to use, often lead to uneven or aesthetically unappealing knots, and require complex or expensive mechanical components, increasing production and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoe lace securement system comprising a spool with radially located protrusions, a threading piece with a locking mechanism, and an ornamental casing with LEDs, allowing for easy installation and adjustable tension without mechanical complexity, suitable for consumer-level use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tie-up shoe laces are used, then the shoe can be secured, but it is difficult for children and individuals with disabilities to tie effectively and consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The spool mechanism allows the lace to secure itself automatically when wrapped around the spool and the threading piece is rotated, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying skills. The locking mechanism then maintains the tension without requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of manual knot-tying with a simpler rotational mechanism. By rotating the threading piece, the lace is automatically wound around the spool, creating tension and securing the shoe without requiring traditional tying skills.
2Reliability
If traditional bows or knots are used to secure laces, then the laces can be fastened, but the bows/loops can come undone or catch on objects causing the wearer to trip
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the lace securing function into two separate components: the spool that maintains tension and the locking mechanism that secures the threading piece. This segmentation eliminates the need for external bows or knots that could come undone or cause tripping hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading piece with locking mechanism is inserted through the hollow tube of the spool, creating a nested structure. The locking mechanism engages with the spool to maintain lace tension internally, eliminating the need for external bows or loops that could interfere with footwear or cause tripping.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bows or knots are used to secure laces, then the laces can be fastened, but the knots are aesthetically unappealing and especially when tied unevenly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the functional elements of lace securing (tension and locking) from the aesthetic field. The spool and threading piece mechanism is designed to be concealed within the footwear, leaving only clean, uniform lace ends visible, thereby eliminating the aesthetic issues associated with uneven knots or bows.
4Reliability
If complex mechanical devices are used to increase lace tension, then adequate tension can be maintained, but the production cost of the shoe is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive components: a spool, a threading piece with locking mechanism, and a cap piece. These can be manufactured at low cost using basic materials and assembly processes, making the shoe significantly more affordable while still providing reliable lace tension maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lace securing function is divided into simple, separate components (spool, threading piece, cap piece) that can be manufactured independently and assembled easily. This segmentation allows for cost-effective production while maintaining the reliability of lace tension.
5Reliability
If motor powered tightening systems are integrated into the shoe, then lace tension can be automatically maintained, but the shoe becomes expensive and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex motor-powered mechanical systems with a simple manual rotation mechanism. The user rotates the threading piece to wind the lace around the spool, creating and maintaining tension without requiring motors, batteries, or electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool mechanism is designed to maintain lace tension passively once the lace is wrapped around it. The locking mechanism then secures the threading piece in place, allowing the system to maintain tension automatically without requiring continuous power or complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe lace securement system has a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms. Each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms has a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions. A hollow tube connects the pair of circular discs. A conduit is attached to an upper rear area of the shoe. A stretchable strap is inserted in the conduit. A cap member is attached to each end of the stretchable strap. A pair of securing clasps are provided, each of the securing clasps comprises a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior.