Fluid-Control Foot Support Bladders for Adaptive Sole Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to discomfort and performance issues during various activities, as existing systems rely on static designs that do not adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid flow control systems integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, or solenoid-based systems 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 static footwear design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different activities and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into multiple independent pressure zones with separate bladders (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows each zone to be adjusted independently based on specific activity requirements, enabling adaptability without requiring complete system redesign for different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear incorporates a dynamic pressure control system that can actively adjust fluid pressure in real-time based on detected activity conditions. The system transitions from static fixed pressure to dynamic adjustable pressure, allowing the footwear to adapt to changing activity demands while managing complexity through automated control algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow control systems are added to footwear, then foot support pressure adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear incorporates sensors that automatically detect activity conditions and trigger appropriate pressure adjustments without user intervention. The system monitors foot pressure, activity type, and environmental conditions, then autonomously regulates fluid flow to maintain optimal support, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while achieving advanced adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensors and activity detectors to continuously monitor footwear performance and user needs, then feeds this information back to the fluid control mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system automatically adjusts pressure in response to detected conditions, providing intelligent adaptability while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual adjustment mechanisms.
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 dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing the footwear to adapt to different activities, providing customizable support and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (e.g., a foot activated pump, a battery powered pump, etc.) that moves fluid from a fluid source into the footwear component
Implementation Method 2
a fluid distributor that distributes the fluid from the footwear component to the foot support bladder
Implementation Method 3
at least one foot support bladder that supports at least a portion of a plantar surface of the user's foot
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.