Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control With Solenoid Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks effective systems for dynamically controlling fluid pressure within fluid-filled bladders to provide customizable foot support and pressure adjustment, limiting the ability to adapt to varying user needs and conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of fluid distributors, movable valve stems, and solenoid valves to control fluid flow and pressure within foot support systems, allowing for multiple operational states to adjust fluid distribution between bladders, containers, and the ambient environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional athletic footwear is used without fluid pressure control systems, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying user needs and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear system is divided into multiple independent fluid-filled bladders (e.g., heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be individually controlled. Each bladder can be adjusted independently to provide localized pressure support where needed, enabling customized foot support without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure control system serves multiple functions: providing cushioning, supporting arches, stabilizing heels, and adapting to different activity levels. A single adjustable pressure system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate structural components, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If fluid pressure control systems are added to athletic footwear, then customizable foot support is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (inflation, deflation, pressure regulation) are merged into a single integrated control system accessible through one interface. The control mechanism combines valve operations and pressure sensing in one unit, allowing users to adjust foot support without managing separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic pressure equalization features where fluid can flow between bladders to balance pressure distribution. The system self-regulates to maintain optimal pressure levels without requiring constant manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity for users.
3Reliability
If multiple valves are used to control inflation and deflation configurations, then fluid pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A central manifold serves as an intermediary component that distributes fluid to multiple bladders through a single control interface. This intermediary structure allows one valve assembly to control multiple bladders, reducing the number of separate valve mechanisms needed while maintaining reliable fluid pressure control across all foot regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to dynamically switch between inflation and deflation modes for different bladder configurations. A single controllable valve mechanism can redirect fluid flow to inflate specific bladders or deflate them as needed, providing reliable pressure control without requiring separate fixed valves for each configuration.
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
Enables dynamic fluid pressure control, enhancing user comfort and performance by allowing customizable foot support and pressure adjustment in response to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve including a movable valve stem and a solenoid wound about the movable valve stem
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to a foot support system, comprising: a foot support bladder; a fluid container; a fluid supply; a first solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a second solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a third solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a fluid line in fluid communication with the fluid supply and with the first port of each of the first solenoid, the second solenoid, and the third solenoid; and a manifold having: (a) a first manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the first solenoid and with an external environment, (b) a second manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the second solenoid and with the foot support bladder, and (c) a third manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the third solenoid and with the fluid container, wherein the first solenoid, the second solenoid, and the third solenoid are independently switchable between their open configuration and their closed configuration to selectively place the foot support system in a plurality of operational states.