Footwear Upper Bladder Layout for Pump-Free Dynamic Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks effective, pump-free, and valve-free mechanisms for providing dynamic arch support and foot support to the wearer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of bladders with sealed interior volumes and fluid lines that allow fluid movement between chambers to provide support, using thermoplastic sheets bonded together to form chambers and fluid lines, and a strap system to apply force and induce fluid movement without the need for pumps or valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional footwear structures are used, then the footwear provides basic coverage and protection, but the footwear lacks dynamic arch support and foot support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple sealed chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that are spatially separated and independently positioned to provide targeted support to different regions of the foot (heel, arch, toe). This segmentation allows each chamber to independently exert pressure on specific foot areas, enhancing support reliability without requiring a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid serves as an intermediary medium that transmits force from the compressible section to the foot support chambers. When the strap or lacing system applies pressure to the bladder, the fluid pressure increase is transmitted through the fluid lines to all chambers, providing distributed foot support without direct mechanical connection between the tightening mechanism and each support point.
2Reliability
If pump and valve mechanisms are added to provide dynamic support, then foot support capability is improved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system is designed to be self-regulating through the inherent properties of fluid pressure transmission. When external pressure is applied to the bladder (via strap or lacing system), the fluid automatically distributes this pressure to all chambers according to Pascal's principle, providing dynamic support adaptation without requiring active pumps, valves, or electronic controls. The system self-adjusts based on the applied compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) pressure transmission to provide dynamic support. The fluid-filled chambers and connecting fluid lines create a pressure distribution system that automatically adapts to applied forces, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or valves while maintaining dynamic support capability through fluid pressure physics.
3Reliability
If multiple sealed chambers and fluid lines are incorporated, then arch support and foot support are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple chambers are arranged in a nested or integrated configuration within the single bladder structure. The first chamber, second chamber, and third chamber are positioned to nest within the overall bladder volume, with fluid lines routing through the same bladder wall structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional chambers to be manufactured as a single integrated component rather than separate parts, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining arch support 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
Provides dynamic arch and foot support by increasing fluid pressure and volume in specific areas of the foot, enhancing comfort and support without the use of pumps or valves.
Implementation Method 1
bladder chambers and/or fluid lines configured to move fluid to locations to provide support for a wearer's foot
Implementation Method 2
increasing fluid pressure and volume in specific areas of the foot
Data Source
AI summary
Bladders for footwear uppers, footwear uppers including the bladders, articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders are described. At least one bladder chamber is provided in the instep and/or tongue area of the upper/article of footwear. In some examples, force applied to the instep based bladder chamber(s) moves fluid to one or more additional bladder chambers located in the arch and/or midfoot areas of the upper/article of footwear, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot. This movement of fluid increases fluid pressure and/or volume in the arch, midfoot, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot to provide additional support.