Footwear Outsole Window for Bladder Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear with fluid-filled bladders in the sole structure often has limited visibility of the bladder, making it difficult to determine its extent and making it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, as the openings are typically small and not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an outsole with a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface featuring a first aperture, a midsole with a second aperture aligned with the first, and a window between the midsole and outsole that allows visibility of a bladder between the insole and midsole, while maintaining protection from damage through a recessed position and a durable polymeric window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a small opening is provided in the sole structure to expose the bladder, then the bladder becomes partially visible, but the visibility is limited and the bladder remains vulnerable to damage from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple panes separated by mullions, creating a segmented structure that provides both visibility and protection. The segmentation allows the window to maintain structural integrity while offering viewing areas, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The window acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the bladder. It provides a viewing opening while simultaneously serving as a protective barrier that prevents foreign objects from directly contacting the bladder, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and vulnerability to damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bladder is completely enclosed within the sole structure, then the bladder is protected from damage, but the wearer cannot determine the extent or presence of the bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The window structure with multiple panes and mullions provides a framework that allows visibility into the sole structure while maintaining protection. The segmented design creates viewing areas that reveal the bladder's extent without compromising the protective enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is made of a translucent or transparent material that allows light to pass through, making it visible from the exterior through the window. This material property change enables the bladder to be both protected and visible simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If the window is positioned close to the ground-contacting surface, then visibility of the bladder is improved, but the window becomes more vulnerable to damage from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The window is nested within a recess in the outsole, creating a protected viewing area. This nesting arrangement allows the window to be positioned for optimal visibility while the recess provides structural protection from foreign objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure that positions the window close to the ground-contacting surface for visibility while providing a protective barrier against foreign objects.
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 design enhances visibility and protection of the bladder, providing increased comfort and durability by allowing the bladder to be visible through the window and shielding it from damage, while maintaining the sole's functionality in absorbing energy and providing traction.
Implementation Method 1
The weight of the wearer and other loading on the bladder causes the fluid to displace within the bladder. As such, the bladder can more easily resiliently deform and/or more easily conform to the wearer's foot than some sole structures made entirely out of foam and rubber.
Implementation Method 2
A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first aperture and the second aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second aperture at least partially aligned with the first aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first aperture and the second aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window.