Fluid-Controlled Foot Support Pressure for Adaptive Footwear
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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 bladders and reservoirs, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through various operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static foot support design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluid flow control system that allows real-time adjustment of foot support pressure through movable components (valve stem with openings, solenoid actuators) that can change the system's operational state based on activity conditions, transforming a static design into an adaptive dynamic system
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect activity conditions and trigger appropriate fluid flow adjustments without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to self-adjust foot support pressure based on detected conditions such as exercise intensity or gait patterns
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid flow control system with multiple components is implemented, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified fluid flow control system where the manifold, valve stem, solenoid actuators, and sensors work together as a coordinated assembly, merging fluid distribution, pressure regulation, and activity detection into a single integrated system that manages foot support pressure across multiple bladders
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid to various foot support bladders, regulates pressure in response to different activity conditions, and provides adaptive support for different gait patterns and exercise intensities, making the system universally applicable to diverse footwear and activity scenarios
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, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for increased pressure during intense activities and reduced pressure during casual wear, thereby improving overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based mechanisms to selectively move fluid within and between bladders and reservoirs
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.