Integrated Inflation Valve for Shoe Air Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable air bladders in shoes require manual pumping, exposing the pump and relief valve externally, compromising aesthetics and usability, as they need to be operated after the shoe is put on, making it inconvenient for inflation during wear.
Innovation Solution
A simplified inflation valve comprising a base, a PU membrane, and a squeezer, where the PU membrane is fixed to the base using ultrasonic techniques to form a one-way air valve, allowing air to flow into an air bladder through treading actions, providing a comfortable and safe enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pump and relief valve are used for inflating the air bladder, then the air bladder can be inflated, but the pump and relief valve must be exposed outside the shoe, compromising aesthetics and making manual operation inconvenient after the shoe is put on
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and relief valve are merged into a single integrated inflation valve assembly that is completely contained within the shoe. The valve body houses both the pumping mechanism and relief function, eliminating the need for external components and enabling aesthetic integration while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation valve is nested within the shoe structure, with the valve body positioned inside the shoe and only minimal external features (such as a top opening) exposed. This nesting approach allows the functional components to be hidden within the shoe's interior, preserving aesthetic appearance while enabling inflation operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional pump and relief valve with multiple components are used, then the air bladder can be inflated, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (pumping, relief valve, and sealing) are merged into a single integrated valve body structure. The valve body contains an internal cavity that serves as both the pumping chamber and relief valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external pump and relief valve components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable inflation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides pumping action, relief valve function, and sealing mechanism. The internal cavity serves multiple purposes: as the pumping chamber for air compression, as the relief valve mechanism for pressure regulation, and as the housing for the sealing member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 inflation of the air bladder during walking, ensuring comfortable and safe cushioning without external components, improving aesthetics and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane has an outer circumference that is fixed to the base through ultrasonic technique
Implementation Method 2
the squeezer has an interior space forming an air chamber... treading actions of a user walking can be applied to directly press the inflation valve for filling air into the air bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified inflation valve includes a base forming centrally a bore. The bore has a bottom to which a PU membrane is attached. The membrane includes at least one aperture in a location outboard the bore. An outer circumference of the membrane is fixed to the base through ultrasonic technique or die pressing. A squeezer is mounted on the base and has elasticity for elastically resuming shape after being pressed and has an interior space forming an air chamber. The air chamber has a top forming at least one through hole. The squeezer has a bottom including an outer circumferential portion forming a sealing rim, which is fixed, through ultrasonic technique or die pressing, to the base so as to form an inflation valve. The inflation valve can be connected to an air bladder, whereby through pressing the inflation valve, the air bladder can be inflated.