Fluid-Controlled Foot Support Bladders for Adaptive Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to discomfort and performance issues during various activities, as existing systems rely on static designs that do not adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms to selectively move fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable pressure distribution and operational states to enhance comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static foot support design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic foot support system where fluid pressure in bladders can be adjusted in real-time based on activity level and user input. The system transitions from a static design to a dynamic one with movable parts (valve stem, solenoid) that allow pressure adjustment, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (fluid pressure) to adapt to different conditions. By adjusting the pressure parameter in the foot support bladders based on activity level and user feedback, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign, thus managing device complexity while improving versatility.
2Reliability
If fluid flow control system is added, then foot support pressure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow control system is segmented into distinct functional components: manifold for fluid distribution, valve stem for flow regulation, solenoid for actuation, and bladders for pressure application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component that distributes fluid to multiple bladders, while the valve stem serves as an intermediary between the solenoid actuator and the fluid flow. These intermediary elements coordinate the interaction between components, improving pressure control reliability while keeping individual component complexity low.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic pressure adjustment is implemented, then comfort is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic or on-demand pressure adjustment rather than continuous operation. The solenoid activates only when pressure adjustment is needed based on activity level changes or user input, and the system can operate in discrete adjustment cycles. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining comfort during different activity phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates user input mechanisms that allow users to directly control or influence pressure adjustments based on their comfort needs. This self-service aspect reduces the need for complex automated sensing and control systems, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation and user comfort.
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 system enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, improving comfort and performance by allowing for customizable pressure settings based on activity level and user input, thereby enhancing the overall footwear experience.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based mechanisms to selectively move fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure (e.g., foot support pressure, fluid container pressure) in one or more fluid filled bladders
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.