Fluid-Control Foot Support Bladders for Adaptive Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to inadequate comfort and performance during various activities, as existing systems rely on static designs that fail to adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through various operational states, including fluid transfer between the external environment, foot support bladder, and fluid container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static footwear designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluid pressure adjustment system that transitions footwear from static to adaptive support. A pump selectively transfers fluid between a first bladder (under foot) and a second bladder (in heel counterweight), enabling real-time modification of foot support pressure based on activity conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining manufacturing simplicity and achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes fluid pressure mechanisms to provide adaptive foot support. By pumping fluid between bladders, the system dynamically adjusts pressure levels without requiring complex mechanical structures, electronic sensors, or power sources, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic fluid pressure control systems are implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control elements (sensors, electronics, power sources) from the fluid pressure adjustment system, retaining only the essential pump mechanism for fluid transfer. This simplification approach maintains customizable support capability while significantly reducing overall system complexity and making the system more suitable for footwear integration.
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 the adaptability and responsiveness of footwear to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the pump selectively transfers fluid between a first bladder positioned at least partially under a plantar surface of a user's foot and a second bladder positioned at least partially within a heel counterweight
Implementation Method 2
modifying fluid pressure within the first and/or second bladder(s)
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.