Footwear Bladder Notch Structure for Metatarsal Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid-filled bladders in footwear lack targeted support and response for specific movements and activities, failing to provide optimal cushioning and comfort during various foot actions.
Innovation Solution
A bladder design featuring a notch that improves flexibility and articulation, combined with a peripheral seam and barrier elements, allows for enhanced support and responsiveness to foot movements, particularly in the metatarsal head region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fluid-filled bladder is used in footwear, then cushioning and support are provided during use, but the bladder lacks targeted support and response for specific movements and activities
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with different orientations and functions. The first chamber extends in a first orientation, the second chamber extends in a second orientation, and the third chamber extends in a third orientation, allowing targeted support for different foot movements and activities while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bladder are designed with different properties to provide localized functionality. The first chamber provides cushioning in one direction, the second chamber provides cushioning in another direction, and the third chamber provides additional targeted support, allowing each region to be optimized for specific movement types
2Ease of operation
If the bladder is positioned within the sole structure at a specific location, then cushioned support is provided during use, but the bladder lacks flexibility and articulation for enhanced movement response
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder design incorporates dynamic characteristics through multiple flexible chambers that can independently deform and articulate during foot movements. The chambers are configured to expand and contract in response to different movement types, providing enhanced flexibility and articulation while maintaining structural integrity through their interconnected design
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 notch enhances bladder flexibility by up to 50%, providing improved comfort and support tailored to specific foot movements, while maintaining overall structural integrity and cushioning.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid and/or elastomeric material provide the bladder with the ability to absorb and cushion forces applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A bladder including a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first barrier element than the first surface, a second barrier element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side of the second barrier element than the third surface, and a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior void between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate to the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder proximate to the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between and connecting the first segment and the second segment.