Foot Support Fluid Distributor for Adjustable Bladder Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional athletic footwear lacks effective systems for controlling and adjusting fluid pressure within foot support bladders and reservoirs, limiting the ability to enhance comfort and performance through dynamic fluid distribution.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of solenoids and fluid distributors in footwear structures to manage fluid flow between bladders, reservoirs, and the ambient environment, allowing for selective control of fluid pressure and distribution using latching and non-latching solenoids to optimize comfort and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional athletic footwear structures are used without fluid control systems, then the footwear structure remains simple, but the ability to dynamically adjust foot support pressure is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic fluid pressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfootwear structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear is divided into multiple fluid-filled chambers or bladders that can be independently controlled. Each chamber can be inflated or deflated separately to provide targeted pressure adjustment in different regions of the foot, enabling dynamic adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid distributor system acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the foot support chambers. This mediator component manages fluid distribution efficiently, allowing complex pressure adjustment functionality to be achieved through a standardized interface that minimizes overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If fluid distributors and solenoids are added to control fluid flow, then fluid pressure control capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressure control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoids are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. Fluid pressure adjustment occurs in discrete cycles when pressure changes are needed, allowing the system to maintain control capability while minimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when pressure adjustment is needed and trigger the fluid distributor and solenoids accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for continuous power input or manual intervention, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple solenoids are used for selective fluid control, then fluid distribution precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distribution precisionVSAvoidsolenoid system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the footwear receive different levels of fluid pressure control based on local requirements. Solenoids are strategically positioned to provide precise control only where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire system. This localized approach maintains distribution precision while reducing the total number of solenoids required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid distributor system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. A single solenoid or distributor unit can control multiple chambers or perform both inflation and deflation functions by switching fluid pathways, reducing the total component count while maintaining precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables dynamic adjustment of fluid pressure within footwear, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for efficient fluid management and pressure control, reducing power consumption, and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

at least one solenoid in fluid communication with the fluid distributor. The solenoid may be a latching solenoid or a non-latching solenoid.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS20260020638A1Fluid Distributors and Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 NIKE INC

AI summary

Foot support systems include a first foot support bladder, a fluid tank, and a fluid distributor. The fluid distributor's body may have: (a) first and second solenoid mounts, (b) a main fluid distribution channel in fluid communication with the first and second solenoid mounts, (c) a tank channel in fluid communication with the first solenoid mount, (d) a first foot support bladder channel in fluid communication with the second solenoid mount, (e) a first foot support connector connecting the first foot support bladder with the first foot support bladder channel, and (f) a tank connector connecting the fluid tank with the tank channel. First and second solenoids are engaged with the fluid distributor at the first and second solenoid mounts, respectively. In some examples, the fluid distributor may include a third solenoid mount and a second foot support connector for use with a second foot support bladder.