Inflatable Foot Support Bladder with Automatic Pressure Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks a mechanism to dynamically adjust foot support pressure in response to the wearer's activity level, offering either fixed firmness or comfort without intermediate options.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluid system with an inflatable foot support bladder and a pressure control system that automatically switches between high and low pressure configurations based on the wearer's activity, using pumps and slow pressure release components to adjust fluid pressure in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed firmness foot support is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different activity levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a foot support system that automatically adjusts its firmness between high and low pressure configurations based on the wearer's activity level. The system transitions from a static, fixed firmness structure to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the pressure level within the foot support bladder between high and low states. This change in the physical parameter (pressure) allows the system to provide different levels of firmness and support, enabling adaptability to different activity levels while maintaining structural integrity through controlled parameter variation.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed softness foot support is used, then comfort is improved, but performance during active use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low pressure (soft) configuration for comfort during stationary periods and high pressure (firm) configuration for performance during active use. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate firmness level based on real-time activity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the wearer's activity level and automatically adjust the foot support pressure accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the system provides soft support when comfortable and firm support when performance is needed, resolving the contradiction between comfort and performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing an automatic adjustment system that responds to the wearer's activity level without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously transitions between pressure configurations based on detected activity, providing adaptability while minimizing user burden and simplifying the interaction model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated system that uses sensors and actuators to adjust foot support pressure. This substitution of manual mechanics with an automated control system reduces the complexity of user interaction while maintaining full adaptability to different activity levels.
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
The system provides a responsive and comfortable foot support by automatically increasing firmness during active use and softening when stationary, enhancing both performance and comfort without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the pump will introduce fluid into the foot support bladder at a faster rate than the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder. This will cause the foot support bladder to reach the high pressure foot support configuration
Implementation Method 2
the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder to change the foot support bladder from a high pressure foot support configuration to a low pressure foot support configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid systems switch between a high pressure configuration and a low pressure configuration. Such fluid systems may be incorporated into sole structures and/or footwear in which the fluid systems may be used to vary foot support pressure between a high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a firmer and more responsive configuration for more active uses) and a low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a softer and more comfortable configuration for standing or less active uses). Some examples of this technology may use a manually activated interface to switch between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration. In other examples, the fluid system may be configured to automatically change between the high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer moves) and the low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer remains stationary).