Woven Shoelace Fixing Band for Secure Knots Without Midfoot Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoelace securing methods, such as tape and straps, compromise comfort, durability, and performance in sports shoes, particularly affecting ball feel and increasing the risk of injury due to abrupt deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A shoelace fixing device using a woven plastic band made of two different plastics with varying elongation at break and tensile strength, ensuring durability and comfort without impairing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape is used to secure the knot of laced shoes, then the knot is secured, but the tape lacks flexibility, impairs comfort and ball feel, and leaves adhesive residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible band made of elastic material (such as silicone or rubber) instead of rigid tape. This flexible band can be wrapped around the shoe and adjusted to secure the knot while maintaining comfort and ball feel due to its elasticity and thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from adhesive tape to elastic material with specific tensile strength and elongation properties. The band is designed with optimal thickness and elasticity to provide knot security without compromising comfort or leaving residue.
2Reliability
If a strap with Velcro fastener is used to secure the knot, then the knot is secured, but the strap adds bulk in the midfoot area, impairing gait and rolling motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible band without bulky fastening mechanisms. The band wraps around the shoe and uses friction and elasticity to secure the knot, eliminating the need for thick Velcro fasteners and maintaining a low profile in the midfoot area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the Velcro fastener component entirely, extracting only the essential function of knot security. The band itself provides the securing mechanism through its elastic properties and wrapping design, eliminating unnecessary bulk.
3Ease of operation
If endless silicone straps are used to secure the knot, then comfort is ensured through elastic properties, but the straps tear after short period of use and create a stopping effect on smooth surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction for the band, combining materials with different properties. The band may incorporate reinforcement layers or composite structures that enhance tear resistance while maintaining elasticity, preventing both tearing and excessive stopping effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the material parameters of the band, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and surface friction characteristics. These parameters are carefully selected to provide comfort through elasticity while preventing tearing and reducing stopping effect on smooth surfaces.
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
Provides a tear-resistant, flexible, and breathable solution that maintains comfort and ball feel, reducing the risk of injury and extending the lifespan of the shoelace fixing system.
Implementation Method 1
the first elongation at break of the first plastic thread is lower than the second elongation at break of the second plastic thread, and the first tensile strength of the first plastic thread is higher than the second tensile strength of the second plastic thread
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Shoelace fixing device (1) for fixing a shoelace (2) of a laced shoe (3), comprising a woven plastic band (10) extending between a first longitudinal end (11) and a second longitudinal end (12), wherein the plastic band (10) is connected in a region of the first longitudinal end to a region of the second longitudinal end, such that the plastic band (10) is ring-shaped, and a connection interface reinforcement unit (20) for reinforcing the connection of the plastic band (10) in the regions of the first and second longitudinal ends is at least partially attached to the region of the first and/or second longitudinal end, characterized in that the plastic band (10) comprises plastic threads of a first plastic and plastic threads of a second plastic, which is different from the first plastic, wherein the first plastic has a first elongation at break and the second plastic has a second elongation at break.wherein the first elongation at break is smaller than the second elongation at break, and the first plastic has a first tensile strength and the second plastic has a second tensile strength, wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.