Fluid-Filled Chamber Reinforcing Element Footwear Midsole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymer foam midsoles in athletic footwear deteriorate with repeated compressions, leading to decreased compressibility and force attenuation due to cell structure degradation, which affects the overall performance and longevity of the footwear.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure incorporating a fluid-filled bladder with an external reinforcing element, where the bladder is formed from impermeable barrier layers and the reinforcing element is bonded to the exterior to restrict distension, maintaining the intended shape and providing improved ground reaction force attenuation and motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymer foam midsole is used, then initial cushioning and comfort are provided, but the cell structure deteriorates with repeated compressions leading to decreased compressibility and force attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from solid polymer foam to fluid-filled chamber, fundamentally altering how cushioning is provided. The fluid can be pressurized to maintain chamber shape and provide consistent force attenuation without the cell structure degradation that plagues foam materials with repeated compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a fluid-filled chamber with an elastomeric reinforcing element. This composite approach leverages the compressibility of fluid while the elastomeric material provides structural integrity and resistance to deformation, solving the contradiction between cushioning and structural stability.
2Weight of moving object
If fluid-filled chamber is used to reduce mass and improve durability, then compressibility is maintained, but the chamber requires reinforcing elements to restrict distension and maintain shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric reinforcing element that forms a flexible shell around the fluid-filled chamber. This thin film structure restricts distension and maintains the chamber's intended shape while allowing the chamber to retain its compressibility and cushioning properties, effectively managing the complexity with a simple yet effective design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcing element is added to restrict distension, then shape stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing element with the chamber formation process. The elastomeric material is positioned within the mold cavity before the chamber is formed, and the two are bonded together as a single integrated structure. This combining approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating separate steps for adding reinforcing elements while still achieving the desired shape stability.
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 solution enhances the durability and performance of the footwear by maintaining the bladder's shape and compressibility, providing consistent cushioning and stability during various ambulatory activities, while also controlling foot motions like pronation.
Implementation Method 1
compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
bonded to the exterior surface of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Several sole components and a method of manufacturing those sole components are disclosed. In general, each sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing element extending around a portion of the bladder. The reinforcing element is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some configurations, the reinforcing element is die-cut from a sheet of polymer material, and the reinforcing element may exhibit a layered configuration. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing element may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing element during the molding process.