Cradled Bladder Sole Structure for Heel Impact Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sole structures for footwear lack a comprehensive and efficient design that balances cushioning, support, and responsiveness, particularly in the heel region, leading to inadequate impact attenuation and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a midsole with a composite design, featuring a bladder supported within a chassis, where the bladder is formed by barrier layers defining a chamber with varying thickness and conduits, and a cradle that houses the bladder, providing enhanced cushioning and support characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional midsole with a fluid-filled bladder is used, then cushioning is provided by compressing the bladder under applied load, but impact attenuation and comfort in the heel region are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a heel cup portion specifically designed for heel region impact attenuation, a toe portion for forefoot cushioning, and a midsection connecting these regions. Each segment can be independently optimized for its specific function, allowing the heel cup to provide enhanced impact attenuation without compromising overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder thickness is varied locally to provide different cushioning characteristics in different regions. The heel cup portion incorporates a first thickness of bladder material optimized for heel impact attenuation, while the toe portion uses a second thickness optimized for forefoot cushioning. This local differentiation allows each region to provide optimal performance for its specific function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bladder with uniform thickness is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but cushioning and support characteristics are not optimized for specific regions like the heel
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is constructed with varying thickness to provide different cushioning characteristics in different regions. The heel cup portion incorporates a first thickness optimized for heel impact attenuation, while the toe portion uses a second thickness optimized for forefoot cushioning. This local differentiation allows each region to provide optimal performance for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is pre-formed with the specific thickness variations and geometric configuration required for optimal performance before being integrated into the sole structure. The heel cup portion and toe portion are designed with their respective thicknesses during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments and ensuring consistent performance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex multi-component sole structure is used, then cushioning and support are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is integrated directly within the midsole structure, with the barrier layers forming the chamber that contains the fluid. This merging of the bladder and midsole into a single integrated component reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled while maintaining the cushioning and support functions. The chassis and cradle structures are also integrated to provide support without requiring additional separate components
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 enhances impact attenuation and comfort by optimizing cushioning and support throughout the sole structure, particularly in the heel region, improving overall footwear performance.
Implementation Method 1
The bladders may contain air, and are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces
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 comprises a cushioning element including a first material and a cradle including a second material. The cradle is attached to the cushioning element and includes a first plate disposed against the cushioning element and a second plate spaced apart from the cushioning element, the second plate including an aperture. The sole structure additionally includes a bladder disposed within the cradle and including a first portion contacting the first plate and a second portion extending through the aperture of the second plate.