Fluid System with Multiple Pump Chambers for Footwear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 within the midsole that utilizes ambient air to enhance force attenuation, comprising a filter assembly, conduits, valves, and chambers, where the pump chamber and pressure chamber work in conjunction to manage air flow and pressure to improve the shoe's responsiveness and ride characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer foam material is used for midsole, then the midsole structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ground reaction force attenuation and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple functional chambers (first pump chamber, second pump chamber, and pressure chamber) that are separated but fluid-connected. This segmentation allows each chamber to perform specific functions while collectively providing superior force attenuation compared to conventional homogeneous foam structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid-based pneumatic system with pump chambers and pressure chambers connected by fluid paths. This hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism enables dynamic pressure regulation and force distribution, significantly improving ground reaction force attenuation and stability beyond what static foam materials can achieve.
2Reliability
If fluid system with multiple chambers is introduced, then ground reaction force attenuation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pump chambers and pressure chambers are merged into a single integrated fluid system where chambers share common fluid paths and pressure regulation mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of independent components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the complex functional benefits of multiple chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid system is designed with multi-functional chambers that can perform multiple roles: the pump chambers serve both as fluid intake chambers and as pressure regulation chambers, while the pressure chamber provides both force attenuation and stability functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.
3Ease of operation
If fluid system is added to midsole, then ride characteristics and responsiveness are improved, but the weight of the shoe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chambers are constructed using thin flexible polymer layers that form the chamber walls. These thin films provide the necessary structural integrity for pressure containment while minimizing the weight penalty associated with adding a fluid system to the midsole.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient air as the working fluid, eliminating the need for heavy pressurized gas cylinders or liquid reservoirs. By utilizing air that is already present in the environment, the system achieves improved ride characteristics without the significant weight increase that would result from carrying dedicated fluid reservoirs.
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, stability, and improved ride characteristics by effectively managing air flow and pressure within the midsole, leading to better comfort and performance during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
a pump chamber (60) with a compressible structure
Implementation Method 2
one or more valves for regulating the direction and rate of fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
a pressure chamber (70) with a volume that varies as fluid is transferred to and from the pressure chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A fluid system (20') for an article of footwear or other products is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes two pump chambers (60a', 60b') and a pressure chamber (70') in order to increase the resulting pressure in the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber extends around a side portion of the second pump chamber and defines an interior area that accommodates the second pump chamber. In a further aspect of the invention a method of manufacturing such a fluid system is defined.