Footwear Upper Bladder Layout for Lace-Driven Heel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks effective mechanisms for providing dynamic support and comfort to the heel and ankle areas without the use of pumps, and existing bladders do not efficiently utilize fluid dynamics for enhanced support and fit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of bladder chambers and fluid lines within footwear uppers that move fluid from the instep or tongue area to heel and ankle support areas through the application of force from a shoelace or foot movement, utilizing thermoplastic sheets sealed to form sealed interior volumes for fluid movement without pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional athletic footwear uses traditional lacing systems, then the footwear can be secured to the foot, but effective heel and ankle support is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid-filled bladder system where fluid (typically air) is pumped into expandable chambers located at the heel and ankle areas. The bladder includes multiple chambers that can be independently inflated to provide targeted support where needed. This pneumatic system allows dynamic adjustment of support levels based on user requirements, effectively resolving the contradiction between providing reliable heel/ankle support and maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear incorporates a dynamic support system where the degree of heel and ankle support can be adjusted in real-time. The bladder chambers can be inflated or deflated to change the firmness and support characteristics. This dynamic capability allows the footwear to adapt to different activity levels and user preferences, transforming static conventional footwear into an active support system.
2Reliability
If pumps or complex mechanical components are added to provide heel and ankle support, then support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system is designed to be self-regulating to the extent possible. Once fluid is pumped into the chambers, the system maintains support through the elastic properties of the bladder material and the trapped fluid pressure. The interconnected chambers can redistribute fluid pressure automatically based on foot movement and compression, reducing the need for active mechanical components during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bladder component performs multiple functions: it provides heel support, ankle support, and can be configured to provide arch support depending on chamber placement and inflation levels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanical support structures for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive support capabilities.
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
Provides enhanced heel and ankle support and improved comfort by increasing fluid volume and pressure in support chambers, eliminating excess shoe space, and enhancing fit without the need for mechanical pumps.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fluid lines configured to move fluid from the instep or tongue area of the upper when the footwear is secured to a wearer's foot to locations to provide support for a wearer's foot
Data Source
AI summary
Footwear uppers and articles of footwear including such uppers include: (a) a first lateral lace-engaging component; (b) a first medial lace-engaging component; and (c) a bladder. The bladder includes: (i) a tongue and/or instep chamber having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, (ii) a first heel and/or ankle support chamber, and (iii) a first fluid line placing the first heel and/or ankle support chamber in fluid communication with the tongue and/or instep chamber. A lace engages the first lateral lace-engaging component and the first medial lace-engaging component such that a first portion of the lace extends across the first surface. The lace may apply a force to the tongue and/or instep chamber, and this force may move fluid from the tongue and/or instep chamber to the first heel and/or ankle support chamber to provide additional support for the heel and/or ankle.