Dual-Chamber Air Cushion Structure for Angular Pressure Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact-absorbing structures, such as air cushions, are limited by their inability to form shapes with angles, leading to inefficient distribution of pressure and wear out over time, restricting their application and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A dual chamber system comprising a textile outer chamber and an inflatable inner chamber, constrained by partitions and semi-rigid reinforcements, allowing for angular shapes and variable pressure absorption, with independent inflation of inner chambers and a connection network for pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an air cushion is used to dampen impact, then pressure absorption is achieved, but the structure cannot form angular shapes and distributes pressure uniformly, limiting application effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion is divided into multiple independent inner chambers by textile partitions. Each chamber can be inflated to different pressure levels, enabling heterogeneous pressure distribution across different zones of the sole. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain angular shapes while providing customized pressure absorption in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air cushion are equipped with partitions of varying heights and configurations, creating local variations in chamber volumes and pressure characteristics. This enables specific zones to be optimized for different functions (e.g., heel cushioning vs. forefoot support) while maintaining the overall angular structure.
2Reliability
If pressure in the air chamber decreases over time and heavy use, then the structure wears out and loses efficiency, but maintaining high pressure is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion is segmented into multiple independent chambers by partitions. If one chamber develops a leak or wears out, the other chambers remain functional, allowing the air cushion to continue providing impact absorption. This segmentation significantly improves reliability and extends service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The textile partitions and reinforcements are pre-installed to create a robust structural framework before inflation. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the air cushion maintains its shape and pressure distribution characteristics even as the air pressure naturally decreases over time, extending the functional service life.
3Strength
If reinforcements are added to the outer chamber, then wear resistance and shape control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer chamber combines textile materials with rigid or semi-rigid reinforcements to create a composite structure. This composite construction provides enhanced wear resistance and shape stability while maintaining a relatively simple overall design. The partitions are integrated into the textile structure, avoiding additional complex 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
Enables precise, heterogeneous pressure absorption and extended durability by allowing angular shapes and independent pressure control, enhancing comfort and performance in applications like shoes and protective gear.
Implementation Method 1
the inner chamber is made of a single deformable material, which may or may not be elastic. Advantageously, the inner chamber is of sufficient thickness to avoid any risk of leakage or puncture
Implementation Method 2
the textile outer chamber furthermore has an intermediate membrane extending substantially parallel to the upper and lower membranes, said intermediate membrane being connected to the upper and lower membranes by the lateral membrane. Such an intermediate membrane makes it possible to locally increase the thickness of the dual chamber, and thus provide a positioning or wedging footprint for it
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dual chamber (1) for absorption of a heterogeneous increase in pressure following an impact or a step, comprising a textile outer chamber and an inflatable inner chamber, wherein the textile outer chamber has an upper membrane (2) and a lower membrane (3) which are connected to one another by a lateral membrane (4) and by a plurality of partitions (5), which are preferably sewn together, the partitions (5) being positioned such that the textile outer chamber is forced to assume an angular shape during the inflation of the inner chamber.