Spring Fastener Shoe Closure for Quick Fit and Lower Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighter boots with a combination of lacing and zip fasteners are complex and expensive to produce, while offering a good fit and quick closure, and there is a need for a less expensive option that maintains these features.
Innovation Solution
A shoe with a spring fastener system comprising a shaft, sole, and a spring closure with a fastener element that transitions between tensioned and relaxed states, utilizing a spring force for quick closure and a latching mechanism for easy adjustment, optionally combined with lacing for optimal fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combination of lacing and zip fastener is used, then both optimal fit and quick closing are achieved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lacing system and fastening function into a single integrated mechanism. The lace is threaded through guides and connected to a fastener element that, when activated, automatically tensions the lace to close the shoe. This merging eliminates the need for separate zippers and manual lacing operations, achieving quick closure while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system operates through self-tensioning mechanism. When the fastener element is activated, it automatically pulls and tensions the lace to the appropriate tightness without requiring manual adjustment. The system serves itself by converting a simple activation motion into the complex action of tightening and securing the shoe
2Ease of operation
If a combination of lacing and zip fastener is used, then both optimal fit and quick closing are achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components that can be mass-produced: basic laces, plastic or metal guides, and a straightforward fastener element. These components are designed to be cost-effective and replaceable, eliminating the need for expensive zipper mechanisms while maintaining quick closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the expensive zipper component from the traditional fastening system. By removing the zipper and replacing it with a simpler lace-and-fastener-element mechanism, the patent achieves the same quick closure function at lower production cost
3Productivity
If boots without lacing or special adaptation are used, then quick closing is achieved, but optimal fit is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe closure system transitions from a static, fixed-state design to a dynamic, adjustable one. The lace allows the shoe to adapt its shape and tension to match the contours of different feet, while the fastener element enables rapid transition between open and closed states. This dynamic system achieves both quick closing and optimal fit
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 spring fastener system allows for rapid boot closure and adjustment, enhancing comfort and reducing production costs by simplifying the design, while maintaining a secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which can be switched over or released between a tensioned state and a relaxed state, wherein the spring in the tensioned state exerts no tension on the fastener element or closure element coupled thereto, such that the shoe is opened for receiving a foot of a wearer, while the spring in the at least partially relaxed state or released state exerts a tension on the fastener element, such that the shoe is closed over the foot of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a shoe with a shaft and a sole, wherein the shoe has a spring closure with a spring and a closure element which can be coupled to the spring, wherein the spring can be switched between a tensioned state and a relaxed state, wherein the spring in the tensioned state does not exert any tension on the closure element coupled thereto, so that the shoe is opened for receiving a foot of a wearer, while the spring in the at least partially relaxed state exerts a tension on the closure element, so that the shoe is closed over the foot of the wearer.