Multi-Chamber Footwear Bladder Valve for Independent Sole Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear bladder systems lack the ability to independently control pressure in different regions of the sole, such as the forefoot and heel, which can lead to inadequate cushioning and support during various activities.
Innovation Solution
A bladder system for footwear that includes a sole structure with an outer bladder divided into distinct inflation chambers by a valve member, allowing for separate inflation of the forefoot and heel regions to different pressures, with a valve mechanism that can be manually adjusted to control fluid communication between external pumps and the chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single bladder system is used in footwear, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide differentiated cushioning and support in different regions (forefoot and heel) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single bladder is divided into multiple independent inflation chambers (forefoot chamber and heel chamber) by internal partitions and valve members. This segmentation allows each region to be inflated to different pressures independently, providing region-specific cushioning control while maintaining a relatively simple overall bladder structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent bladders are used for forefoot and heel regions, then region-specific pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve member that contains multiple fluid passages. The valve member can selectively direct fluid to different inflation chambers through its internal passage configuration, reducing the number of separate valves and components while maintaining independent pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve member performs multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to the forefoot chamber, the heel chamber, and can allow equalization between chambers. This multi-functional design reduces component count while achieving independent pressure adjustment for different regions.
3Ease of operation
If a valve member with multiple fluid passages is used, then selective inflation of different chambers is enabled, but the valve complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid passages are nested within the single valve member structure. The valve member contains interconnected passages that allow fluid to be directed to different chambers based on valve position, creating a compact nested configuration that enables selective inflation without requiring separate external valve assemblies for each chamber.
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 enables users to selectively adjust the pressure in the forefoot and heel portions independently, enhancing cushioning and support by allowing for customized pressure settings based on specific activities or user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member including a valve used to control the flow of fluid into the first inflation chamber and the second inflation chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pump positioned outside of the footwear article in fluid communication with the interior cavity to inflate the interior cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Bladder systems for footwear include: two inflation chambers; a valve body defining: (a) a bore, (b) a first fluid passage extending to the bore, (c) a second fluid passage extending between the bore and one inflation chamber, and (d) a third fluid passage extending between the bore and another inflation chamber; and a valve in the bore. The valve includes two orifices connected by a passage and rotates in the bore between two positions. In one position, a first orifice (of the “orifices”) is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage and a second orifice is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage to allow fluid flow to one inflation chamber. In another position, the first orifice is in fluid communication with the third fluid passage and the second orifice is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage to allow fluid flow to the other inflation chamber.