Fluid-Control Foot Support Bladders for Adjustable Pressure
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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 integration of fluid distributors, valve stem-based fluid transfer systems, and solenoid-based fluid transfer systems into footwear, allowing for selective movement and control of fluid within and between foot support bladders and fluid containers, thereby enabling adjustable foot support pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear structures are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to dynamically control foot support pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear system is divided into multiple independent functional components: foot support bladders, fluid containers, fluid distributors with multiple outlets, and valve stem-based fluid transfer systems. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex pressure control capability to be achieved through modular assembly rather than a monolithic complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distributor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid to multiple foot support bladders, controls fluid flow direction, and integrates with both valve stem-based and solenoid-based fluid transfer systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing adaptability
2Measurement precision
If valve stem-based fluid transfer systems are integrated, then foot support pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem acts as an intermediary component between the fluid distributor and the foot support bladders. It precisely controls fluid transfer by rotating to align ports, providing accurate pressure control without requiring direct complex electronic control mechanisms at each bladder location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates solenoid-based fluid transfer systems that use electromagnetic fields to control fluid flow, replacing purely mechanical valve actuation. This allows for more precise and responsive pressure control while reducing the mechanical complexity of manual or cable-based actuation systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid-based fluid transfer systems are used, then operational states for fluid distribution are increased, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid-based fluid transfer system enables periodic actuation of fluid flow to different bladders, allowing the system to cycle through multiple operational states. This periodic action provides diverse pressure control modes while consuming energy only during actuation events rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that automatically detect foot pressure and activity conditions, enabling the foot support system to self-adjust pressure without continuous user input. This self-service capability increases operational states and adaptability while minimizing energy consumption by activating solenoids only when pressure adjustments are needed
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 solution allows for precise control of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by adapting to different activities and conditions, while also providing a range of operational states for fluid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based fluid transfer systems
Implementation Method 2
valve stem-based fluid transfer systems
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.