Footwear Sole Structure with Interstitial Bladder and Dimpled Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sole structures for footwear lack a comprehensive solution for providing both effective cushioning and traction while minimizing drag during movement.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure incorporates a composite design featuring an upper and lower cushioning element, with at least one bladder disposed between the two, and a plate embedded between the bladder and the upper cushion, along with a tray and sockets for the bladders, and a foam material in the tray for enhanced cushioning and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sole structure with midsole and outsole is used, then basic cushioning and traction are provided, but comprehensive cushioning effectiveness and drag minimization are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional segments: upper cushion, lower cushion with tray, bladders, plate, and outsole. Each segment performs a specific function (cushioning, support, aerodynamics, traction) allowing the system to achieve comprehensive performance while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure combines multiple materials with different properties: cushioning materials for shock absorption, plate material for structural support, outsole material for traction and abrasion resistance. This composite approach enables each material to optimize its specific function while contributing to overall system performance
2Reliability
If cushioning elements are added to enhance foot protection, then cushioning performance improves, but drag during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral sides of cushioning elements feature dimples specifically positioned to reduce drag during movement, while the central portions maintain cushioning function. This local differentiation allows the same component to simultaneously reduce energy loss and provide foot protection
Solution Approach 2:
The dimples created on the peripheral sides of cushioning elements introduce curved surface features that manipulate airflow patterns, reducing turbulent drag and energy loss during movement while preserving the cushioning function in other areas
3Ease of operation
If multiple functional elements (bladders, plates, trays) are incorporated to provide comprehensive support, then support and cushioning distribution improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional segments: upper cushion, lower cushion with tray, bladders, plate, and outsole. Each segment performs a specific function (cushioning, support, aerodynamics, traction) allowing the system to achieve comprehensive performance while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is embedded within the lower cushion structure, and the bladders are positioned between the tray and upper cushion, creating a nested arrangement where components are integrated into one another. This nesting reduces the number of separate assembly operations and simplifies manufacturing
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 configuration enhances cushioning and support by distributing pressure effectively through the bladders and cushions, while the dimples on the peripheral sides improve aerodynamics, and the outsole provides zonal traction and abrasion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole may include a pressurized fluid-filled chamber that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
the dimples on the peripheral sides improve aerodynamics
Implementation Method 3
The outsole provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper cushion extending from a first end to a second end, a lower cushion having a first segment attached to the upper cushion adjacent to the first end and including a tray extending towards the second end of the upper cushion, and at least one bladder disposed between the tray of the lower cushion and the upper cushion.