Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control Across Heel and Forefoot

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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 inadequate support during various activities.

Innovation Solution

The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, featuring a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers, enabling adjustable pressure distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional footwear structure is used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but foot support pressure control capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot support pressure controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear is divided into distinct functional components: foot support bladders (first and second bladders) separated into different regions (heel and forefoot), fluid containers, pumps, and control systems. This segmentation allows independent pressure control in different foot zones while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides pressure control, supports foot anatomy, enhances comfort, and adapts to different activities. The same fluid network controls both bladders and can integrate with lacing systems, creating a multi-functional system that addresses various footwear requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed foot support pressure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and performance adaptation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpressure control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect user needs, activity level, and pressure conditions, then autonomously adjust fluid distribution and bladder pressure without requiring manual intervention. The control system self-regulates based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors and user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure in foot support bladders and provide feedback to the control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal pressure levels by detecting deviations and automatically adjusting fluid distribution accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If fluid distribution system is added, then foot support pressure control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distribution controlVSAvoidsystem assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foot support bladders are nested within the footwear structure, with the first bladder positioned in the heel region and the second bladder in the forefoot region. Fluid containers and pumps are integrated into the footwear midsole or upper structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that simplifies assembly while maintaining full pressure control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system provides customizable foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for real-time adjustments based on activity level and user input, thereby improving overall footwear functionality.

Implementation Method 1

solenoid-based mechanisms that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11825905B2Foot support systems including fluid movement controllers and adjustable foot support pressure

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 NIKE INC

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.