Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control Using Integrated Fluid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of athletic footwear lack effective systems for dynamically controlling fluid pressure within foot support bladders and fluid containers, which limits the ability to adjust foot support pressure in response to changing activities or conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid flow control systems integrated into footwear, featuring a fluid distributor with a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid valves, allowing for selective movement and control of fluid within and between foot support bladders and fluid containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional athletic footwear is used without fluid control systems, then the footwear structure remains simple, but the ability to dynamically adjust foot support pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using fluid-filled bladders (air or liquid) within the footwear structure to provide adjustable foot support pressure. The fluid distribution system moves fluid between bladders to dynamically control pressure levels, enabling adaptability to different activities and foot conditions while maintaining a relatively integrated footwear design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides foot support pressure adjustment, accommodates different activity levels, and adapts to varying foot conditions. The same system structure handles both pressure application and release, as well as fluid transfer between multiple bladders, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow control systems with multiple components are integrated into footwear, then dynamic pressure adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid control functions into a single integrated fluid distribution system. The system combines fluid transfer capabilities, pressure regulation, and bladder control into one unified mechanism, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining dynamic pressure adjustment capability across multiple foot support zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system incorporates self-regulating features where fluid automatically flows between bladders based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms in each zone. The system uses the fluid pressure itself to drive the distribution process, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid distribution systems are added to footwear, then foot support pressure control is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is segmented into distinct functional zones with individual bladders that can be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly. This modular approach allows for standardized bladder production and simplifies quality control, as each segment can be manufactured using similar processes and then integrated into the complete footwear system.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of fluid-filled bladders provides a manufacturing advantage where the same basic bladder structure can be used across different footwear models and zones, requiring only variations in fluid volume and distribution rather than completely different structural components. This standardization simplifies the manufacturing process.
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 the footwear to be placed in various operational states, allowing for dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by accommodating different activities and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow control systems integrated into footwear, featuring a fluid distributor with a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid valves, allowing for selective movement and control of fluid within and between foot support bladders and fluid 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.