Zonal Footwear Lacing System with Differential Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices for articles such as shoes lack the ability to provide a customizable and efficient fit, often requiring excessive time to secure and may not adequately distribute tension for optimal comfort and support.
Innovation Solution
A zonal tightening system that employs multiple guide members and tension members, along with a tensioning mechanism, to differentially tighten various zones of the article, allowing for adjustable tension and fit customization through a reel assembly or spool system, and unique tubing configurations to manage lace tension and prevent buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional closure devices are used to secure articles like shoes, then the article can be closed and secured about the body part, but the time required to close and secure the article is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is segmented into multiple independent tensioning mechanisms, each controlling a specific zone of the article. This allows different portions of the article to be tightened independently and simultaneously, reducing the total time required compared to sequential conventional lacing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to quickly modify tension levels in different zones. This dynamic control enables rapid adaptation to different fit requirements without requiring complete re-lacing of the entire article.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional closure devices are used, then the article can be secured about the body part, but the fit and comfort are not optimized due to inability to distribute tension differentially across zones
Solution Approach 1:
The article is divided into multiple zones, each with its own tension member and guide members. This segmentation enables independent tensioning of each zone to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes, providing customized fit without requiring multiple different article sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the article can have different tension levels applied locally. This allows the closure device to adapt to local anatomical variations in the body part, providing optimal fit and comfort in each specific zone while maintaining overall security.
3Reliability
If tension is applied uniformly across the entire article, then the article can be secured, but material buckling occurs reducing comfort and fit quality
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tension application into multiple zones with independent control, the system prevents uniform tension that causes buckling. Each zone can be tensioned appropriately to secure the article without creating the excessive localized forces that lead to material buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device applies different tension levels to different local zones based on the specific requirements of each area. This localized tension control prevents the uniform over-tensioning that causes material buckling while maintaining sufficient security in each zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.