Fluid-Filled Foot Support Bladders for Adjustable Sole Hardness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks the ability to dynamically adjust foot support hardness and fluid distribution to accommodate varying foot conditions and activities, leading to suboptimal comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a fluid-filled bladder system within the footwear, comprising a foot support bladder and a fluid reservoir bladder connected by fluid transfer lines, with a pump and control system to selectively change fluid distribution and hardness, allowing for adjustable foot support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional athletic footwear is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the foot support hardness cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluid distribution system where fluid can be selectively transferred between a foot support bladder and a fluid reservoir bladder using a pump mechanism. This allows the foot support hardness to change dynamically based on user needs, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that responds to varying foot conditions and activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a fluid-filled bladder system with interconnected bladders and fluid transfer lines to control foot support characteristics. By manipulating fluid pressure and distribution hydraulically, the system achieves adjustable hardness and pressure distribution without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid-filled bladder system is added, then foot support adjustability is improved, but the weight of the footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustable foot support hardness, distributes pressure evenly across the foot, and can adapt to different activity levels and foot conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby minimizing the overall weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled flexible bladder chambers that can be integrated into the footwear structure with minimal weight. These flexible membranes allow fluid transfer while maintaining structural integrity, providing the necessary adjustability without adding significant weight to the footwear.
3Ease of operation
If fluid transfer lines and pump system are incorporated, then pressure distribution control is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to be user-activatable, allowing the wearer to control fluid transfer and pressure distribution independently. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex electronic controls or external power sources, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control system is integrated within the existing footwear structure, with bladders and fluid lines nested within the footwear layers. This nesting approach minimizes the space required for the control system and reduces the visual and structural complexity of the footwear.
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
Enhances comfort and performance by dynamically adjusting foot support hardness and pressure distribution, accommodating varying foot conditions and activities.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and control system to selectively change fluid distribution and hardness
Implementation Method 2
Incorporation of a fluid-filled bladder system within the footwear, comprising a foot support bladder and a fluid reservoir bladder connected by fluid transfer lines
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.