Variable Volume Instep Footwear Tensioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear designs lack an efficient mechanism to adjust the volume of the instep portion for comfortable fit and easy entry, often requiring complex lacing systems that may not provide optimal adjustability and security.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tensioning system with multiple tensioning members and a reel-based tensioning device that allows the volume of the intermediate covering portion to be adjusted radially, using channels and tab portions for expansion and contraction, facilitating a secure and customizable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lacing system is used to adjust the fit of the footwear, then the footwear can provide some level of adjustability, but the system becomes complex and may not provide optimal adjustability and security
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple expandable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently adjusted. Each section has its own tensioning members and reel-based tensioning device, allowing independent volume adjustment of different portions of the instep, thereby achieving fine-grained adaptability without requiring a complex overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic tensioning system where reel-based tensioning devices allow continuous adjustment of the volume of each section. The tensioning members can be wound or unwound to dynamically change the volume of each section, providing real-time adaptability as the foot shape changes or different fit requirements arise
2Reliability
If the instep portion is made closed around the foot for security, then the fit becomes more secure, but the entry and removal of the foot becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic tensioning system where reel-based tensioning devices allow continuous adjustment of the volume of each section. The tensioning members can be wound or unwound to dynamically change the volume of each section, providing real-time adaptability as the foot shape changes or different fit requirements arise
Solution Approach 2:
Before the foot is inserted, the upper is in a relaxed state with larger volume to facilitate easy entry. After insertion, the tensioning devices are activated to reduce the volume and create a secure fit. This preliminary relaxed state eliminates the barrier of a permanently closed instep while maintaining security through subsequent tensioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the volume of the intermediate covering portion is made variable to improve fit, then the comfort and adjustability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple expandable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently adjusted. Each section has its own tensioning members and reel-based tensioning device, allowing independent volume adjustment of different portions of the instep, thereby achieving fine-grained adaptability without requiring a complex overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible tensioning members (cables, wires, or straps) that can be easily wound or unwound on the reel-based tensioning devices. These flexible elements allow smooth volume adjustment without rigid mechanical structures, reducing complexity while maintaining adjustability
Data Source
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AI summary
An article (100,600,700,800) of footwear (100,800) includes an upper (102,1,602,702,802) having a toe covering portion (290) and an entry hole for receiving a foot (500) ; an intermediate covering portion (294) disposed between the toe covering portion (290) and the entry hole, wherein the intermediate covering portion (294) is closed around the instep (505) of the foot (500) and wherein the volume (296,520,530) of the intermediate covering portion (294) is variable; at least one tensioning member (231,232,233,234,235,931,932,933,934,935) extending through the intermediate covering portion (294). The volume (296,520,530) of the intermediate covering portion (294) can be changed by adjusting the tension of the at least one tensioning member (231,232,233,234,235,931,932,933,934,935). The tension of the tensioning member (231,232,233,234,235,931,932,933,934,935) is controlled using a reel-based tensioning device (220).