Electronic Bladder Pressure Control for Adaptive Footwear Cushioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear technologies lack efficient mechanisms for dynamically adjusting bladder pressure to optimize cushioning and shock absorption based on user activity, leading to inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
An article of footwear with an adjustable bladder system incorporating an electronically controlled valve and a constant pressure reservoir, controlled by an electronic control unit, which adjusts bladder pressure iteratively through fluid communication based on heel strike events to maintain a target pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bladder pressure is manually adjusted or left static, then the structure is simple, but cushioning performance becomes inconsistent across different activities
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder pressure system transitions from a static or manually adjusted state to a dynamically controlled state. The electronically controlled valve actively adjusts bladder pressure in real-time based on sensor feedback and detected activity types, allowing the cushioning performance to adapt to different user activities such as walking, running, or standing still.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user activity and provide feedback to the electronic control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the valve operation to maintain optimal bladder pressure for the detected activity type, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances adaptability without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If bladder pressure is continuously adjusted, then cushioning performance is optimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous adjustment, the system uses periodic action by detecting specific events (heel strike events) to trigger pressure adjustments. The electronically controlled valve operates in discrete cycles, adjusting pressure at predetermined intervals or upon detection of specific gait events, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable cushioning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user activity through sensors and autonomously adjusting bladder pressure without requiring continuous power-intensive active control. The electronic control unit processes sensor data and actuates the valve only when adjustments are needed, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance with minimal energy expenditure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control system is added to adjust bladder pressure, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical pressure adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled valve actuated by an electronic control unit. Sensors detect user activity and send electrical signals to the valve, which electronically controls fluid flow to adjust bladder pressure. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 system provides consistent and adaptive cushioning and shock absorption by dynamically adjusting bladder pressure, enhancing user comfort and performance across various activities.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor associated with the bladder and an electronic control unit for controlling the electronically controlled valve, where the electronic control unit receives information from the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
an electronically controlled valve including a first fluid port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second fluid port in fluid communication with the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.