Decoupled Footwear Bladder Segmentation for Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current footwear soles with fluid-filled bladders lack optimal cushioning distribution and flexibility due to interconnected cushioning components, which restricts fore-aft and lateral flexibility and increases material usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming a sole structure with decoupled cushioning components, each with fluid-filled cavities, connected by channels that allow for different inflation pressures and positioned to maximize cushioning support while minimizing material usage, using thermoformed polymeric sheets with tubular pillars and channels to enhance flexibility and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cushioning components are interconnected in fluid-filled bladders, then structural integrity is maintained, but fore-aft and lateral flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder element is divided into multiple separate cushioning components (first, second, third, and fourth cushioning components) that are substantially decoupled from one another. Each cushioning component has its own fluid-filled cavity, allowing independent deformation and flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through their distributed arrangement in the sole structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If interconnected cushioning components are used, then fluid distribution is simplified, but material usage increases due to connecting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder element is divided into multiple separate cushioning components (first, second, third, and fourth cushioning components) that are substantially decoupled from one another. Each cushioning component has its own fluid-filled cavity, allowing independent deformation and flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through their distributed arrangement in the sole structure.
3Ease of operation
If decoupled cushioning components are used, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cushioning components are integrated into a single bladder element structure that is formed as one piece from a sheet of material. The bladder element includes multiple fluid-filled cavities (first, second, third, and fourth cushioning components) that are substantially decoupled from one another, combining the benefits of segmentation with the simplicity of single-piece manufacturing.
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 configuration provides improved cushioning support and flexibility by allowing independent inflation of cushioning components, reducing material waste, and enhancing the overall performance of the sole structure.
Implementation Method 1
a first cushioning component (34A) that has a single central opening (40A) extending completely therethrough and that has a continuous fluid-filled cavity (38A) surrounding the central opening (40A)
Implementation Method 2
using thermoformed polymeric sheets with tubular pillars and channels to enhance flexibility and support
Implementation Method 3
thermoformed polymeric sheets with tubular pillars and channels to enhance flexibility and support
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method of manufacturing a sole structure of an article of footwear is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: forming a bladder element having multiple cushioning components each including a fluid-filled cavity; wherein the cushioning components comprise: a first cushioning component having: a single central opening extending completely therethrough; and a continuous fluid-filled cavity surrounding the central opening; and a second cushioning component having multiple connecting features positioned inward of an outer periphery of the second cushioning component and connecting a first side of the second cushioning component to a second side of the second cushioning component opposite the first side; wherein the second cushioning component is substantially decoupled from the first cushioning component.