U-Shaped Shoe Lacing Guide Reducing Friction and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lacing systems for shoes and boots experience high frictional forces between guides and lacing, leading to increased wear and restricted lacing diameter, and require frequent adjustments to maintain tension due to irregular contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of U-shaped guides with a semicircular central lacing surface and circular cross-section, oriented perpendicularly to the flap, reduces friction and allows for smooth lacing engagement, eliminating snagging and enabling continuous upward tightening without repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional eyelets or guides are used in lacing systems, then the lacing can be threaded through the openings, but high frictional forces are produced between the lacing and the guide surfaces, leading to increased wear and restricted lacing diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is designed with a semicircular cross-section that creates a curved contact surface. This curvature allows the lacing to wrap around the guide in a smooth arc, distributing contact forces over a larger area and eliminating sharp corners that concentrate friction. The semicircular shape enables the lacing to transition smoothly from one side of the guide to the other without snagging or experiencing high frictional forces at specific contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide's dimensional parameters are specifically optimized with a semicircular cross-section where the radius of curvature is carefully selected. This parameter optimization ensures that the guide provides sufficient support for the lacing while maintaining a smooth contact surface that minimizes friction. The specific curvature radius allows the lacing to engage the guide effectively without creating excessive frictional forces that would cause wear or restrict the lacing diameter.
2Ease of operation
If irregularly shaped guides are used, then the lacing can be guided through the opening, but the lacing is forced against the same surface area during tightening, increasing wear on the lacing
Solution Approach 1:
The guide employs a semicircular cross-section that provides a uniformly curved contact surface. This curvature ensures that during tightening, the lacing contacts the guide along its entire semicircular perimeter rather than being concentrated at a single point or irregular surface area. The uniform curvature distributes the tightening forces evenly around the guide, preventing localized wear and extending the life of both the lacing and guide.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If grommets and eyelets are used to reduce friction, then the lacing can pass through the openings, but the diameter of the lacing available for use is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The guide's semicircular cross-section is designed with a radius that is carefully optimized to accommodate the lacing diameter. The curved geometry allows the lacing to wrap around the guide without requiring excessive compression, thereby maintaining an adequate lacing diameter for flexibility and comfort. The semicircular shape provides sufficient friction reduction while preserving the lacing's dimensional characteristics.
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
This configuration minimizes wear on lacing and flaps, reduces frictional contact, and allows for smooth, trouble-free tightening and loosening of the lacing system, enhancing the overall fit and durability of the boot.
Implementation Method 1
reduces frictional contact between the lacing and the inner contact surface of the guide
Data Source
AI summary
A lacing system and unique eyelet construction adapted for use therein including an eyelet formed from wire or rod stock preferably of circular cross-section that is progressively formed into a generally U-shaped configuration having a semicircular central portion and a pair of legs terminating in flattened ears adapted for connection to a shoe flap.