Foot Support Fluid Manifold With Cam-Actuated Bladder Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear systems lack effective mechanisms for dynamically controlling fluid pressure within foot support bladders, which limits the ability to customize foot support and comfort based on varying foot shapes and activities.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control system incorporating a manifold with movable cams and valves, allowing for selective movement of fluid between foot support bladders and fluid sources, and between the bladder and external environment, controlled by a motor and electronic controller to adjust pressure configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear systems are used without fluid pressure control mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the ability to dynamically adjust foot support pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a manifold with multiple ports, individual valves for each fluid pathway, and movable cams for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the complex system manageable and maintainable while enabling dynamic pressure control in different foot support bladders simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions by providing a central hub that distributes fluid to multiple bladders and connects to various fluid sources (pump, reservoir, environment) through a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of separate components needed, balancing adaptability with device complexity
2Ease of operation
If a fluid flow control system with multiple valves and manifolds is implemented, then dynamic pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve actuation mechanisms are merged into a single movable cam component that can sequentially engage different valve activators as it rotates. This combining of actuation functions into one moving part simplifies the control mechanism and reduces the number of separate actuators needed, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor actuator and the multiple valves. Instead of directly actuating each valve, the cam translates rotational motion into sequential valve activation, serving as a mechanical mediator that simplifies the control architecture and reduces manufacturing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pressure settings are used in foot support bladders, then manufacturing and setup are simpler, but customization for different foot shapes and activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed pressure settings to dynamic pressure control by implementing movable cams that can be rotated to different positions, allowing real-time adjustment of fluid flow to multiple bladders. This dynamic capability enables customization for different foot shapes and activities while using a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism rather than complex electronic controls
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and support by allowing for customized pressure settings based on user input and activity levels, improving overall footwear performance.
Implementation Method 1
a movable cam at least partially located within the internal chamber, wherein the movable cam includes one or more first valve activator surfaces that interact with the first valve activator to change the first valve between a closed configuration and an open configuration
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within the sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in one or more fluid filled bladders included in the overall foot support system. Such fluid flow control systems include: (a) a manifold body (502) defining an internal chamber (504); (b) a first port (510) in fluid communication with the internal chamber (504); (c) optionally a second port (520) in fluid communication with the internal chamber (504); (d) optionally a third port (530) in fluid communication with the internal chamber (504); (e) a first valve (512) controlling fluid flow through the first port (510), wherein the first valve (512) includes a first valve activator (514); (f) optionally a second valve (522) controlling fluid flow through the second port (520), wherein the second valve (522) includes a second valve activator (524); (g) optionally a third valve (532) controlling fluid flow through the third port (530), wherein the third valve (532) includes a third valve activator (534); and (h) a movable cam (600) at least partially located within the internal chamber (504). This movable cam (600) includes: (a) at least one or more first valve activator surfaces (610) that interact with the first valve activator (514) to change the first valve (512) between a closed configuration and an open configuration, (b) optionally one or more second valve activator surfaces (620) that interact with the second valve activator (524, when present) to change the second valve (522) between a closed configuration and an open configuration, and (c) optionally one or more third valve activator surfaces (630) that interact with the third valve activator (534, when present) to change the third valve (532) between a closed configuration and an open configuration.