Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control Using Fluid Flow 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 performance issues 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, forefoot bladder, metatarsal bladders) that can be independently controlled. Each bladder segment can be adjusted separately to provide customized pressure support to different areas of the foot, enabling dynamic pressure control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides shock absorption, pressure control, comfort enhancement, and performance optimization all through a single integrated manifold and bladder system. This multi-functional approach allows dynamic foot support pressure control without adding excessive complexity, as one system accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate components
2Ease of operation
If fixed foot support pressure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but comfort and performance during various activities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed pressure to dynamic pressure control by incorporating a fluid distribution manifold with controllable valves that can adjust pressure in real-time. The bladders can be inflated or deflated based on activity requirements, allowing the footwear to adapt dynamically to changing comfort and performance needs during various activities
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure within each bladder and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic or semi-automatic pressure adjustment, improving comfort and performance by maintaining optimal pressure levels without requiring complex manual intervention from the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow control system is added, then foot support pressure adjustability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system is nested within the footwear structure, with bladders positioned inside the upper and sole components. The fluid distribution manifold is integrated into the footwear midsole or heel counter area, with fluid lines routed through existing structural channels. This nested arrangement allows the complex fluid control system to be manufactured and assembled as part of the footwear construction process rather than as a separate addition, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty
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.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within 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.