Spring-Loaded Shoelace Locking Mechanism for Knot Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear accessory devices fail to efficiently and economically prevent the loosening or untying of shoelace knots, particularly in scenarios where physical contact, such as wrestling, is common, and lack interchangeable designs and ornaments.
Innovation Solution
A footwear accessory device featuring a frame assembly with spring-loaded locking members and interchangeable hook or loop fasteners, allowing for secure attachment to shoelaces without special tools, and accommodating designs or ornaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lace-trapping device is attached to prevent shoelace loosening, then the shoelace knot is secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a frame assembly, spring-loaded locking members, hinge arms, and interchangeable assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and enabling easy assembly without special tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates spring-loaded locking members that dynamically adjust to engage with the shoelace knot. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement and maintains secure holding while allowing for easy release when needed, reducing the complexity of manual operation.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to prevent untying, then the shoelace knot is retained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking members automatically engage with the shoelace knot without requiring manual intervention or special tools. The device serves itself by using the spring force to maintain the locked position, eliminating the need for complex manual operation while ensuring reliable knot retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage when the shoelace knot is placed in the device. This preliminary preparation ensures that the locking action occurs immediately and reliably without requiring complex assembly steps or tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable assemblies are added for customization, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly and locking mechanism serve as universal components that can work with multiple interchangeable assemblies. This multi-functionality allows the same base device to accommodate different designs, ornaments, and configurations, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a permanent frame assembly and interchangeable components. This segmentation allows users to customize the device by replacing only the interchangeable assemblies while keeping the core locking mechanism, thereby increasing versatility without requiring redesign of the entire device.
4Reliability
If spring-loaded locking members are used, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking members are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured. The spring mechanism uses basic elastic material that is cost-effective to produce, allowing the device to maintain high reliability while keeping manufacturing costs low through the use of simple, readily available materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism uses simple elastic deformation parameters that are easy to manufacture and adjust. By relying on basic spring physics rather than complex mechanical systems, the device achieves reliable locking with minimal manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
Effectively prevents shoelace knot loosening or untying, offers durable and cost-effective construction, and allows for easy assembly and customization with interchangeable designs and ornaments.
Implementation Method 1
The first bottom face has a spring member with a spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear accessory device, having a frame assembly with a top face and a bottom face. The top face has first fastening means and the bottom face has a spring member with a spring force. Protruding from the frame assembly are first and second tabs and hinge arms. An actuating arm is hingedly mounted onto the frame assembly. The actuating arm further comprises longitudinal members, at least one transversal member, and locking members. The locking members receive their respective first and second tabs when the first and second tabs are biased towards their respective locking members, thus overcoming the spring force when a shoelace knot is positioned between the spring member and the actuating arm to cover a shoelace to prevent the loosening or untying of the tied shoelace knot. At least one interchangeable assembly has second fastening means that secures onto the first fastening means.