Zonal Dynamic Lacing System for Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated tightening systems for footwear lack efficient mechanisms for quickly and variably adjusting the tension of cables to secure the upper around the foot and for quickly releasing tension to facilitate easy removal of the footwear.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dynamic lacing system that includes a cable lock and a pair of cables, where the cable lock is integrated within the sole structure and allows for the retraction of one cable section while extending another, enabling quick adjustment and release of tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automated tightening systems use a rotatable knob to apply tension to cables, then the fit of the upper around the foot can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and requires simultaneous depression of a release mechanism and pulling of the upper away from the foot to release tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tightening and looseningVSAvoidtime required for tightening and loosening operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable system is divided into multiple independent cable sections (first cable section, second cable section, third cable section) that can be adjusted separately. Each cable section can be independently tensioned or released, allowing selective tightening of different foot regions without requiring simultaneous operation of a single release mechanism for the entire upper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, uniform tensioning mechanism to a dynamic system where cable tension can be independently adjusted and released at different rates. The first cable section can be tightened or released at a different rate than the second and third cable sections, enabling adaptive fit adjustment that responds to different wear conditions and user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single cable is used for tightening, then the structure is simple, but uniform tension is applied along the entire cable length, preventing differential tightening of different upper regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to tighten different regions at different ratesVSAvoidnumber of cables and tightening mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single cable is segmented into multiple independent cable sections (first cable section extending to first anchor point, second cable section extending to second anchor point, third cable section extending to third anchor point). Each section can be independently controlled by separate tightening mechanisms, enabling differential tensioning of different upper regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cable sections are anchored at different locations on the upper (first anchor point, second anchor point, third anchor point), allowing each section to apply tension locally to specific regions of the foot. This enables tailored tensioning where the first cable section tightens a first region at a different rate than the second and third cable sections tighten subsequent regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the tightening mechanism is incorporated onto an exterior of the upper, then it is accessible to the wearer, but it detracts from the general appearance and aesthetics of the footwear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of tightening mechanismVSAvoidappearance and aesthetics of footwear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tightening mechanisms are nested within the upper structure itself rather than being externally mounted. The cable lock and tightening mechanisms are integrated into the interior of the upper, with only necessary interaction points (such as cable ends or release mechanisms) accessible from the exterior. This maintains the aesthetic appearance of the footwear while preserving operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Cable guides and guides are incorporated into the upper structure to mediate between the interior tightening mechanisms and exterior accessibility points. These guides allow cables to be routed through the upper in a visually appealing manner while providing accessible control points for the wearer without requiring external mounting of the tightening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12239189B2Zonal dynamic lacing system

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 NIKE INC

AI summary

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock disposed within the sole structure adjacent to a bottom surface of the sole structure. The article of footwear includes a first cable having a first section extending from the cable lock to a first anchor point on the upper and a second section extending from the cable lock to a second anchor point on the upper. The article of footwear further includes a second cable having a first section extending from the cable lock to a grip and a second section extending from the cable lock to the grip, whereby the cable lock is operable to retract the first section and the second section of the first cable when the first section and the second section of the second cable are extended.