Three-Way Shoelace Structure for Foot Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoelaces have a fixed tied point that is difficult to adjust, limiting adaptability to different foot sizes and restricting the range of shoe sizes that can be accommodated.

Innovation Solution

A three-way shoelace structure with three tied points formed from top to bottom, allowing the wearer to select one, two, or three points for tying, comprising a Y-shaped configuration of three laces with varying diameters, enabling better fit adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single tied point shoelace is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different foot sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different foot sizesVSAvoidshoelace structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single tied point shoelace is segmented into three separate tied points arranged vertically. Each tied point can be independently selected and tied, allowing the wearer to choose the most suitable tied point based on their foot size and shape. This segmentation transforms a single-function shoelace into a multi-functional system that accommodates various foot dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The three-way shoelace structure provides multi-functionality by enabling three different tying options (one, two, or three tied points). This universal design allows the same shoelace to adapt to different foot sizes and shapes, making it suitable for a broader range of users without requiring multiple different shoelace products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a fixed tied point position is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for different users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting tied pointsVSAvoidnumber of tied points
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoelace structure transitions from a static fixed tied point to a dynamic system with three selectable tied points. The wearer can dynamically choose which tied point(s) to use based on their specific needs, making the system adaptable and flexible rather than rigid and fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a vertical dimension to the tied point selection by arranging three tied points at different heights along the shoelace. This dimensional arrangement provides additional options for the wearer to select from, transforming a single-point system into a multi-level system that offers greater operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10039346B2Three-way shoelace structure
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 TSAI MING CHE

AI summary

A three-way shoelace structure has a first lace, a second lace, and a third lace. When a first three-way shoelace structure and a second three-way shoelace structure are passing through a plurality of eyelets of a shoe, the first lace, the second lace, and the third lace of the first three-way shoelace structure may be tied with the first lace, the second lace, and the third lace of the second three-way shoelace structure to form three tied points so as to bind up and fix at three fixed points of a foot of a wearer.