Magnetic Stirrup Dipoles for Footwear Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports practice devices, such as stirrups, face challenges in maintaining a secure pairing with footwear due to insufficient magnetic attraction and stability, particularly during motion, leading to issues like foot dislodgment and incorrect repositioning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pair of magnetic dipoles with inverted polarizations at the ends of the stirrup floor and matching sole magnets ensures stable pairing by preventing rotation and ensuring correct directional alignment, enhancing the magnetic attraction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single magnet is inserted into the stirrup floor diagonally, then the foot is held in a natural position, but the force of attraction between the magnet and shoe is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single magnet is divided into multiple magnetic dipoles (at least two) arranged in a specific configuration. Each dipole contributes to the overall magnetic field, creating multiple attraction points that collectively provide stronger and more distributed magnetic force across the footwear-stirrup interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic dipoles are arranged asymmetrically with respect to each other and positioned at specific locations on the stirrup floor. This asymmetric arrangement creates a non-uniform magnetic field distribution that optimizes both attraction force and directional control, preventing rotation while maintaining natural foot positioning.
2Device complexity
If a single magnet is used in the stirrup, then the structure is simple, but the stirrup may twist when the rider rests their foot
Solution Approach 1:
The single magnetic element is segmented into multiple dipoles that work together to provide rotational stability. The distributed arrangement of dipoles creates multiple torque resistance points, preventing the stirrup from twisting while the rider's foot is positioned on it.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple magnetic dipoles are combined in a coordinated configuration where their individual magnetic fields interact to create a unified stabilizing effect. The dipoles are positioned and oriented to work together, providing both attraction force and rotational constraint simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the foot comes out of the stirrup during a ride, then the rider can move freely, but it is difficult to reinsert the foot into the moving stirrup
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic dipoles are pre-positioned in the stirrup to create a magnetic field that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the stirrup. This preliminary magnetic presence guides the footwear toward the correct insertion position even before contact is made, facilitating easy reinsertion after the foot has been dislodged.
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 use of magnetic dipoles with reversed polarizations provides a secure and stable pairing, preventing incorrect positioning and foot dislodgment, improving user safety and comfort during sports activities.
Implementation Method 1
it comprises at least one pair of magnetic dipoles for pairing said at least one item of footwear with said sports practice device
Implementation Method 2
the two dipoles are positioned at two ends (A, B) of the floor of the stirrup, the first end (A) and the end (B) being located in the projected axis of the branch on the floor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for practicing sports, which is designed to receive at least one article of footwear. According to the invention, such a device comprises at least one pair of magnetic dipoles (13, 14) for associating the at least one footwear article with the device for practicing sports.