Bladder-Foam Sole Structure for Gradient Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear do not effectively balance cushioning, responsiveness, and durability, particularly in regions like the forefoot and heel, due to limitations in bladder design and material integration.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure incorporating a fluid-filled bladder with recesses and foam inserts, where the foam inserts are flush with the bladder's upper surface, forming a continuous and contoured footbed, enhancing cushioning and responsiveness while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid-filled bladder is used in the midsole, then durability is improved, but cushioning and responsiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fluid-filled bladder with foam inserts to create a hybrid midsole structure. The bladder provides durability and structural integrity, while the foam inserts provide cushioning and responsiveness. This merging of two different cushioning mechanisms resolves the contradiction between durability and cushioning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole uses a composite structure combining fluid-filled bladder material with foam material. This composite approach allows the sole to simultaneously exhibit the durability characteristics of the bladder and the cushioning characteristics of the foam, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If a fluid-filled bladder is used in the midsole, then durability is improved, but responsiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fluid-filled bladder with foam inserts to create a hybrid midsole structure. The bladder provides durability and structural integrity, while the foam inserts provide cushioning and responsiveness. This merging of two different cushioning mechanisms resolves the contradiction between durability and cushioning performance.
3Ease of operation
If uniform cushioning is provided across the entire midsole, then comfort is improved, but load distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements gradient cushioning by placing different densities or types of foam inserts in different regions of the midsole. High-load areas receive different cushioning characteristics compared to low-load areas, optimizing both comfort and load distribution efficiency through localized material properties.
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
The solution provides enhanced cushioning and responsiveness by allowing for gradient cushioning based on load distribution, improving comfort and performance across different foot regions.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements
Implementation Method 2
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a bladder and at least one foam insert. The bladder includes an upper surface having a first portion defining a chamber and a second portion defining at least one recess adjacent to the chamber. The at least one foam insert is disposed within the at least one recess and has a top surface that is substantially flush with the first portion of the upper surface of the bladder. The first portion of the upper surface is exposed to the at least one foam insert.