Fluid-Controlled 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 pressure control, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but foot support pressure cannot be dynamically adjusted leading to discomfort and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic foot support pressure adjustment through a fluid distribution system with a manifold and multiple valves that can actively change pressure levels in different foot regions based on real-time needs, transforming static footwear into a dynamic, adaptive system
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear is divided into multiple independent foot support regions (heel, toe, midfoot) with individually controllable fluid-filled bladders, allowing selective pressure adjustment in specific areas through a segmented control system
2Ease of operation
If fluid pressure control system is added to footwear, then foot support pressure can be dynamically adjusted, but the device complexity increases with manifold, valves, and fluid containers
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid to multiple foot regions, collects fluid from regions, and integrates with the pump system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fluid storage container, pump mechanism, and distribution manifold into an integrated foot support system that is embedded within the footwear structure, merging multiple functional components into a unified system
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
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.