Segmented Fluid-Filled Bladder Sole Structure for Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack innovative designs that effectively balance cushioning, support, and durability while providing a visually appealing and functional design.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-filled bladder with segmented and converging fluid-filled segments, formed from transparent and opaque barrier sheets, is incorporated into the sole structure, offering enhanced cushioning and support, and allowing for a unique visual appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid-filled bladder is incorporated into the sole structure to provide cushioning and durability, then the cushioning performance and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple fluid-filled segments (first fluid-filled segment, second fluid-filled segment, third fluid-filled segment) that can be independently positioned and configured within the midsole. This segmentation allows the bladder to provide cushioning in specific high-impact areas while maintaining overall structural integrity, thereby improving durability without requiring a completely complex bladder system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder components are nested within the midsole structure, with the fluid-filled segments positioned within the midsole voids and the bladder walls integrated into the existing sole layers. This nesting approach allows the bladder to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall structural complexity, as it utilizes the existing midsole space and layering.
2Reliability
If multiple barrier layers are used to form the bladder to ensure sealing and durability, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second barrier layers are merged through sealing or bonding to form a unified bladder structure. By combining these layers into a single integrated bladder component, the patent reduces the number of separate sealing interfaces that would be required if the layers remained separate, thereby reducing the cumulative precision requirements while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layers are positioned and sealed at specific locations within the midsole where cushioning is most needed. The sealing and bonding are concentrated at strategic points rather than requiring precision throughout the entire bladder structure, allowing for reliable sealing with reduced overall manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If the bladder is designed to compress resiliently under applied loads to provide cushioning, then the cushioning performance is improved, but the responsiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into multiple sections that can compress independently under applied loads. This segmentation allows different portions of the bladder to provide cushioning at different rates, with some segments being more compliant for cushioning and others maintaining more rigid support, thereby balancing cushioning performance with responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bladder are designed with different mechanical properties. Some areas of the bladder are designed to compress more resiliently for enhanced cushioning in high-impact zones, while other areas maintain greater rigidity to preserve responsiveness and support, achieving a balance between these opposing requirements.
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 solution provides improved cushioning and support characteristics while maintaining durability and offering a distinctive aesthetic, enhancing the overall performance and look of the footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air
Implementation Method 3
a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled bladder and a cushioning member. The bladder includes a first segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure, and a first conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the first segment and the second segment. The cushioning member includes a pocket having a first recess extending along the medial side of the sole structure and receiving the first segment of the fluid-filled bladder, a second recess extending along the lateral side of the sole structure and receiving the second segment of the fluid-filled bladder, and a first channel extending between the first recess and the second recess and receiving the first conduit of the fluid-filled bladder.