Fluid-Control Foot Support Bladders for Adjustable Sole 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 performance issues during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through various operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear is used without fluid control systems, then the structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but foot support pressure cannot be dynamically adjusted leading to discomfort and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into multiple independent bladder segments (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder, toe bladder) that can be individually controlled. Each bladder can be inflated or deflated independently through separate fluid pathways, allowing localized pressure adjustment without affecting the entire footwear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid control system using pneumatic principles is implemented with a pump, reservoir, and fluid pathways to dynamically adjust pressure within bladders. The system uses a pump to move fluid between the reservoir and bladders, enabling real-time pressure modulation for enhanced comfort and performance.
2Ease of operation
If fluid control systems with multiple components are added, then foot support pressure can be dynamically controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump serves multiple functions: it can inflate individual bladders, deflate bladders by reversing operation, and transfer fluid between bladders. The reservoir serves both as a fluid storage container and as a pressure regulation chamber, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control components are nested within the footwear structure: the pump is positioned within the heel counter, the reservoir is integrated into the midsole cavity, and fluid pathways are routed through existing structural channels. This nesting approach minimizes additional manufacturing steps and assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If dynamic pressure adjustment is implemented, then comfort and performance are enhanced, but energy consumption increases due to pump and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, activating only when pressure adjustment is needed. The control system monitors bladder pressure and triggers pump operation only when thresholds are exceeded, allowing the system to remain passive during steady-state conditions and consume energy only during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that automatically detect when bladder pressure needs adjustment and trigger pump operation without external intervention. The reservoir also provides passive pressure regulation through its gas law-based volume-pressure relationship, reducing the need for active control and energy consumption.
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 enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for customizable support during different activities, improving shock absorption and traction.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers
Implementation Method 2
fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within 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; (1) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.