Footwear Sole Structure with Bladder Cradle for Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear sole structures lack optimal cushioning and support distribution, particularly in the heel region, leading to inadequate attenuation of ground-reaction forces and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a cushioning element, a cradle with a bladder disposed within, and a plate and supports that define a receptacle, where the bladder contacts both the cushioning element and the outsole, providing enhanced cushioning and support through a composite midsole configuration with a bladder and chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional midsole with polymer foam material is used, then the sole structure provides basic cushioning by compressing resiliently under load, but the cushioning effectiveness and ground-reaction force attenuation are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into distinct functional zones: a heel cushioning element with bladder for impact attenuation, a forefoot cushioning element for forward motion cushioning, and a transition zone connecting them. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall cushioning effectiveness and force attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole employs composite materials including polymer foam material for the cushioning elements and a bladder made from polymer materials for the heel cushioning element. This composite construction provides both resilient compression characteristics and enhanced ground-reaction force attenuation, resolving the contradiction between cushioning effectiveness and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the midsole is made from polymer foam material that compresses resiliently, then basic cushioning is provided, but the responsiveness and support distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the midsole are assigned different material properties and structural characteristics. The heel region features a compliant bladder for impact absorption, while the forefoot region uses resilient foam for responsiveness. The transition zone provides gradual property changes. This local differentiation simultaneously achieves responsiveness where needed and proper support distribution across the foot.
3Strength
If a bladder with barrier layers is used for cushioning, then fluid-filled support is provided, but the integration with cushioning elements and outsole lacks optimal force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A cradle structure serves as an intermediary component that integrates the heel cushioning element, forefoot cushioning element, and bladder. The cradle includes a plate and supports that define a receptacle for the bladder, ensuring optimal force distribution and mechanical integration between the fluid-filled bladder and the cushioning elements, resolving the force distribution issue.
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
The solution provides improved cushioning and support characteristics by distributing forces effectively across the heel region, enhancing comfort and responsiveness during impact, while maintaining durability and traction.
Implementation Method 1
The bladders may contain air, and are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides a structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes a cushioning element having a first material. The sole structure further includes a cradle including a second material, attached to the cushioning element, and including a plate disposed against the cushioning element and a pair of supports extending from opposite ends of the plate. The sole structure also includes a bladder disposed within the cradle between the supports. An upper barrier layer of the bladder contacts the plate.