Fluid-Control Foot Support for Adjustable Bladder Pressure
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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, featuring a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based fluid transfer systems that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers, enabling adjustable pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear is used without fluid control systems, then the device complexity is low, but the foot support pressure cannot be adjusted dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support system is divided into multiple independent bladders (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be controlled separately. Each bladder can be adjusted independently to provide customized pressure distribution across different regions of the foot, enabling dynamic adaptation to various activities and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static footwear to dynamic footwear by incorporating a fluid transfer system with solenoid valves that can reallocate fluid between bladders in real-time. This allows the foot support pressure to be dynamically adjusted based on activity level, user input, or detected foot conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If fluid transfer systems with solenoid valves are added, then real-time pressure adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer system with solenoid valves serves multiple functions: it can add fluid to bladders, remove fluid from bladders, and redistribute fluid between bladders. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution, improving ease of operation while managing manufacturing complexity through functional integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bladders are used for different foot regions, then localized foot support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the foot (heel, midfoot, forefoot) are supported by separate bladders that can be independently adjusted. This allows each region to receive customized pressure and support characteristics tailored to its specific needs, improving localized foot support while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
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 provides customizable foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for real-time adjustments based on activity levels and user input, thereby improving the overall footwear experience.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based fluid transfer systems that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support 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.