Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control Using Pumped Fluid Manifolds
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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 inadequate support during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through various operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear structure is used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but foot support pressure cannot be dynamically controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into functional zones with multiple bladders (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be independently controlled. Each bladder serves a specific region of the foot, allowing localized pressure adjustment without complicating the entire shoe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, adjusts pressure dynamically, and adapts to different activities. The same fluid network controls all bladders, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms in each zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow control system is added, then foot support pressure adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single fluid distribution system. The manifold integrates fluid pathways to all bladders, and a single pump circulates fluid throughout the entire system, reducing the number of independent components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid acts as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals from the pump to the bladders. This allows indirect control of bladder pressure without requiring direct mechanical actuators in each bladder, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple bladders are used for zone-specific support, then foot support precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot is segmented into three distinct zones (heel, midfoot, forefoot), each with its own bladder. This allows precise pressure control in each zone independently, matching the anatomical requirements of different foot regions without requiring a complex network of smaller compartments.
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 the overall functionality of footwear.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the fluid supply and in fluid communication with the manifold; wherein the pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid supply to the manifold through fluid pathways
Implementation Method 2
a foot support bladder configured to contain fluid at an adjustable pressure
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.