Expandable Pump Chamber Fluid System for Footwear Midsole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles lack effective ground reaction force attenuation and stability, particularly when using polymer foam materials, which can lead to inadequate comfort and performance during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system is integrated into the midsole, comprising a pump chamber and a pressure chamber in fluid communication, utilizing ambient air to enhance force attenuation and stability, with a filter assembly, conduits, and valves to manage air flow and pressure, allowing for self-expansion and improved ride characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer foam material is used in the midsole, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ground reaction force attenuation and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer foam material with a fluid-filled chamber system, merging the structural support function of the foam with the force attenuation function of the fluid system. The fluid chamber is integrated into the foam matrix, allowing both materials to work together to provide enhanced ground reaction force attenuation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established midsole construction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining polymer foam and fluid-filled chambers. The foam provides structural integrity and volume, while the fluid-filled chambers provide dynamic force attenuation. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both materials to achieve superior performance in ground reaction force attenuation and stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer foam material is used in the midsole, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but stability and ride characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stability function into the fluid-filled chamber system integrated within the foam midsole. The fluid pressure and chamber configuration work together with the foam structure to provide enhanced stability, allowing the midsole to maintain its shape and provide consistent support while remaining manufacturable using conventional processes.
3Reliability
If fluid-filled chamber is added to enhance force attenuation, then ground reaction force attenuation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membranes and thin film structures to enclose the fluid-filled chambers within the midsole. These flexible walls allow the chambers to expand and contract with foot movement while containing the fluid pressure necessary for force attenuation. The use of thin film materials minimizes added complexity compared to rigid chamber constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by filling chambers with gas or vapor that can be pressurized to provide force attenuation. The fluid (gas or liquid) is contained within flexible chambers that respond to compression forces, providing dynamic cushioning. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach offers effective force attenuation with relatively simple structural implementation.
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 fluid system provides enhanced ground reaction force attenuation and stability, improving the comfort and performance of athletic footwear by dynamically adjusting to the foot's movement and pressure, thereby enhancing the overall ride quality.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid system provides enhanced ground reaction force attenuation and stability, improving the comfort and performance of athletic footwear by dynamically adjusting to the foot's movement and pressure
Implementation Method 2
A fluid system is integrated into the midsole, comprising a pump chamber and a pressure chamber in fluid communication, utilizing ambient air to enhance force attenuation and stability
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid system for an article of footwear or other products is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes a pump chamber and a pressure chamber. The pump chamber is formed to exhibit a four layer structure to imparts an expandable configuration. The four layers are bonded to each other such that the sidewall has a zigzag-shaped configuration. In another aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes two pump chambers and a pressure chamber in order to increase the resulting pressure in the pressure chamber. In yet another aspect of the invention, at least one of the two pump chambers has an expandable configuration.