Footwear Bladder Structure for Hardware-Free Strap Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks a secure and efficient mechanism for strap attachment that does not require hardware, while also providing effective foot support and ventilation.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoplastic elastomer sheets bonded together to form a bladder system with integrated strap-engaging members, allowing for 'hardware-free' strap attachment and fluid communication between chambers for support and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple separate components (insole, outsole, tongue, quarter, toe, vamp) are used to form the footwear upper, then the structural integrity and support are improved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate footwear components (insole, outsole, tongue, quarter, toe, vamp) into a single integrated inflatable upper assembly. The bladder structure unifies these elements while maintaining their functional distinctions through localized inflation zones, thereby reducing part count and assembly complexity while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, forms the upper contour, creates cushioning zones, and enables adjustable fit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining strength.
2Strength
If multiple separate components are used with connection elements, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single molded bladder structure, eliminating the need for separate connection elements like adhesives, stitches, or mechanical fasteners. This integration dramatically simplifies manufacturing to a single molding and inflation process while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
3Strength
If traditional multi-component construction is used, then the structural support is improved, but the weight of the footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-walled inflatable bladder structure that provides structural support through internal air pressure rather than through material mass. This flexible shell approach delivers the necessary structural support while minimizing weight, as the bladder walls are much lighter than traditional multi-component constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation of the bladder to provide structural support and cushioning. The pressurized air within the bladder creates the necessary structural rigidity and support forces without adding significant weight, as air is essentially weightless compared to solid materials.
4Device complexity
If a simple single-piece upper is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the ability to provide localized cushioning and support is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bladder into multiple independently inflatable zones corresponding to different foot regions (heel, toe, midfoot, etc.). This segmentation allows localized cushioning and support adjustments in each zone while maintaining a single integrated bladder structure, thus providing adaptability without increasing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the bladder wall thickness, stiffness, and inflation pressure in different zones to match the specific support and cushioning requirements of each foot region. This allows optimized localized performance within a unified single-piece structure.
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
Enables secure, hardware-free strap attachment and enhanced foot support with improved ventilation in footwear, enhancing user comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a bladder (220) configured to be received within the last (202)
Implementation Method 2
The footwear (200) comprises a foot support (201) configured to receive a user's foot, a bladder (220) configured to be received within the last (202)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Bladders for footwear uppers, footwear components and articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders are described. The bladders may include first and second thermoplastic elastomer sheets joined together by an outer perimeter bond. An interior chamber is defined between the thermoplastic elastomer sheets and inside the outer perimeter bond. The outer perimeter bond may be shaped such that the interior chamber forms: (i) a foot support chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, and at least one of items (ii) and (iii) below, in which: item (ii) comprises a first side chamber portion (e.g., forming at least part of a first securing strap or a first footwear upper component), and item (iii) comprises a second side chamber portion (e.g., forming at least part of a first strap-engaging member or a second footwear upper component).