Footwear Sole Structure with Segmented Fluid Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles lack optimal stability and ground reaction force attenuation, particularly during ambulatory activities, due to the limitations in material distribution and pressure dynamics within fluid-filled chambers.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure incorporates a perimeter chamber and a central chamber with distinct fluid pressures and spatial arrangements, along with a midsole element and outsole, to enhance stability and cushioning by creating a depression for the heel and varying compressibility across the sole structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fluid-filled chamber is used in the midsole, then the structure is simple, but the stability and ground reaction force attenuation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single midsole chamber is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber (perimeter chamber) and a second chamber (central chamber). Each chamber can be independently pressurized to different pressures, allowing optimized ground reaction force attenuation and stability without requiring a complex multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole structure are assigned different chamber configurations. The perimeter chamber provides structural support and stability along the edges, while the central chamber provides cushioning in the center area. Each region's chamber is pressurized according to its specific functional requirements.
2Reliability
If uniform pressure is applied throughout the chamber, then the manufacturing is simple, but the cushioning and stability performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is segmented into independent control units for each chamber. A first pressure source controls the perimeter chamber pressure, while a second pressure source controls the central chamber pressure. This allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressure levels are applied to different chambers based on their specific functional requirements. The perimeter chamber may be pressurized to provide structural support, while the central chamber is pressurized to provide cushioning. Each chamber's pressure is independently optimized for its location and function.
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 improves the overall stability and cushioning of the footwear by seating the heel securely and resisting deformation, thereby enhancing performance during walking and running.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole is secured to the upper and forms a middle layer of the sole structure that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., imparts cushioning) during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities
Implementation Method 2
the fluid-filled chambers are formed from a polymer material that is sealed and pressurized, but may also be substantially unpressurized or pressurized by an external source
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear is disclosed below as having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a perimeter chamber, a central chamber, and an outsole. The perimeter chamber extends adjacent to at least a portion of a lateral sidewall and a medial sidewall of the sole structure. The central chamber is positioned within a central area of the sole structure, the central area being located between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall. The outsole defines at least a portion of a lower surface of the sole structure, and has a perimeter section secured below the perimeter chamber and a central section secured below the central chamber. Various features may be incorporated into the sole structure. For example, the perimeter chamber may be spaced from the central chamber and the perimeter section may be spaced from the central section to define a gap extending upward and into the sole structure from the lower surface.