Fluid-Bladder Foot Support Control for Adaptive Pressure Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to discomfort and performance issues during various activities, as existing systems rely on static designs that do not adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms to selectively move fluid within and between bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through various operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static foot support design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic foot support system where fluid pressure in bladders can be adjusted in real-time based on activity conditions. The system transitions from a static design to a dynamic one by incorporating fluid transfer mechanisms that allow pressure changes in response to varying support needs during different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transfer system serves multiple functions: it adjusts pressure for different activities, provides shock absorption, and adapts to various foot positions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse support requirements without needing separate mechanisms for each condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid flow control system is added to dynamically adjust pressure, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the foot support into multiple independent bladders (first bladder, second bladder, third bladder) that can be controlled separately. Each bladder serves a specific zone of the foot, allowing targeted pressure adjustment without affecting the entire support system, thus managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid distributor acts as an intermediary component that manages fluid transfer between bladders and the external environment. This mediator coordinates pressure changes across multiple bladders, simplifying the control architecture by centralizing fluid management in a single component rather than requiring individual control mechanisms for each bladder.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bladders with selective fluid movement are implemented, then the foot support pressure adjustability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bladder functions into a unified fluid management system where a single fluid distributor controls pressure across all bladders. This merging of control functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing compared to having independent control systems for each bladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) to transmit pressure adjustments across multiple bladders through a single control mechanism. This approach allows complex pressure distribution patterns to be achieved through simple fluid transfer, avoiding the need for complex mechanical linkages or electronic actuators in each bladder.
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 system enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for customizable support during different activities, improving shock absorption and traction while maintaining user control over pressure settings.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based mechanisms to selectively move fluid within and between bladders and containers
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.