Laser-Etched Footwear Bladder Grooves for Bonding Without Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bladders in footwear lack a visually appealing and functional method to enhance their appearance and integration within the sole structure while maintaining cushioning and impermeability.
Innovation Solution
Laser etching is used to create grooves on the exterior surface of polymeric film bladders, adjusting power and scanning speed to achieve depths ranging from 5% to 35% of the film thickness, which provides contrast and maintains impermeability, and can include coloring substances to enhance visibility and retention within the sole structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If laser etching is applied to create deep grooves for enhanced appearance and bonding, then surface area and mechanical attachment are improved, but bladder impermeability and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling laser etching parameters (power, speed, passes) to create grooves with specific depth ranges (5-35% of wall thickness). This optimization ensures sufficient surface area for bonding while maintaining adequate wall thickness to preserve bladder impermeability and structural integrity.
2Shape
If laser etching creates visible grooves for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is enhanced, but the bladder material may become compromised or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing laser etching parameters (power between 10-100 watts, scanning speed 100-1000 mm/s, number of passes 1-5) to create aesthetically pleasing groove patterns while controlling groove depth to 5-35% of wall thickness, thereby preserving bladder material integrity and preventing damage.
3Strength
If groove depth is increased to improve mechanical attachment and appearance, then bonding surface area increases, but manufacturing precision and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific ranges for laser etching parameters (power, scanning speed, number of passes) that correspond to groove depths of 5-35% of wall thickness. This parameter optimization achieves sufficient mechanical attachment while maintaining manufacturing precision and ease of control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring and adjusting laser etching parameters based on observed groove formation. The process parameters are optimized based on feedback from previous etching results to maintain consistent groove depth within the 5-35% range, ensuring both mechanical attachment and manufacturing precision.
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
The laser etching process enhances the appearance and functionality of bladders by creating a textured surface that provides mechanical attachment and increased surface area for bonding, while maintaining the bladder's integrity and impermeability.
Implementation Method 1
lasering one or more polymeric films forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the chamber to form one or more grooves in the exterior surface of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A bladder includes a first polymeric film, a second polymeric film attached to the first polymeric film to form a chamber, and one or more grooves formed in an exterior surface of the chamber. In one configuration, the grooves are formed in the exterior surface of the chamber by subjecting the chamber to a laser-etching process.