ER Fluid Sole Conductor Structure for Dynamic Footbed Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear struggles to adapt its shape effectively during changing conditions or multiple types of movements, such as running on curved tracks, as it either lacks sufficient support on bends or becomes inefficient on straight sections.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrorheological (ER) fluid into the shoe's sole structure, specifically within an incline adjuster, allows for dynamic adjustment of the footbed's inclination by controlling the flow of ER fluid through a transfer channel, thereby mimicking the benefits of running on a banked track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear is designed with substantial reinforcement and support for sideways movements, then side-to-side movement support is improved, but the shoe becomes inefficient for forward movement in a straight line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the footwear structure dynamically adjustable through electrorheological fluid. The midsole contains ER fluid that can change its rheological properties in real-time based on applied electric fields, allowing the shoe to adapt its support characteristics between forward movement and side-to-side movement configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the electrorheological effect to change the viscosity and flow properties of the midsole material through electric field application. This allows the footwear to transition between different structural states (soft/flexible for forward movement, firm/supportive for lateral movement) without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrorheological fluid is integrated into the sole structure with electrodes and conductors, then dynamic adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the conductor directly into the midsole structure during the molding process. The conductor is embedded within the ER fluid-containing midsole, combining multiple components (ER fluid, conductor, midsole structure) into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing assembly steps and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining dynamic adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the midsole to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the electrorheological fluid, houses the conductor, and acts as the incline adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving ease of manufacture while achieving dynamic adjustability
3Productivity
If electrorheological fluid is used to adjust footbed inclination, then biomechanical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent electrorheological properties of the fluid within the existing footwear structure. The ER fluid automatically changes its properties in response to applied electric fields without requiring external mechanical adjustment mechanisms, pumps, or complex control systems, thereby achieving biomechanical efficiency improvement with minimal added device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical incline adjustment mechanisms (such as screws, levers, or movable components) with an electrorheological fluid system controlled by electric fields. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while achieving the same biomechanical adjustment function, thereby improving biomechanical efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity
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 solution enables the shoe to provide optimal support and efficiency by adjusting the footbed's inclination in response to different running conditions, enhancing biomechanics and potentially leading to faster running times.
Implementation Method 1
electrorheological (ER) fluid into the shoe's sole structure, specifically within an incline adjuster, allows for dynamic adjustment of the footbed's inclination by controlling the flow of ER fluid through a transfer channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
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AI summary
A polymeric housing may have a channel (119, 120, 51) defined therein. A first conductive trace (116, 135) may at least partially coincide with the channel (119, 120, 51). A first wire (23A, 24A, 24B) may have a first conductor (23C, 24C) surrounded by a first insulating jacket (23D, 24D). The first conductor (23C, 24C) may be in electrical communication with the first conductive trace (116, 135). A jacket (23D, 24D) bonding region of the first jacket (23D, 24D) may be welded to a housing bonding region of the housing. The jacket (23D, 24D) bonding region and the housing bonding region may be formed from a common type of polymer.