Segmented Fluid-Filled Bladder Geometry for Gradient Footwear Cushioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack an efficient design for fluid-filled bladders that provide optimal cushioning and stability while accommodating varying loads and movements, particularly during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-filled bladder with a unique chamber geometry and segmented design, comprising an arcuate segment and elongate segments, is integrated into the sole structure, featuring a web area and inflation conduit, allowing for a unitary pressure system that provides gradient cushioning and stability by adjusting to applied loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid-filled bladder with segmented design and arcuate segments is used, then cushioning responsiveness and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple segments including an arcuate segment and elongate segments that are fluidly coupled together. This segmentation allows each segment to respond independently to applied loads, providing gradient cushioning and improved stability while maintaining a unitary pressure system across all segments
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the bladder are positioned to provide different cushioning characteristics at different locations. The arcuate segment and elongate segments create varying pressure distributions across the foot, with each segment's geometry optimized for its specific location to enhance overall cushioning responsiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary pressure system with multiple fluid-coupled segments is implemented, then gradient cushioning is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bladder segments are merged into a single unitary structure through fluid coupling, where the segments share a common fluid pressure system. This allows the complex gradient cushioning function to be achieved through a unified manufacturing process rather than assembling separate components, simplifying production while maintaining adaptability
3Strength
If barrier layers are joined to define a fluid-filled chamber with specific geometry, then cushioning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder geometry is defined by varying parameters such as the arcuate shape of certain segments and the linear dimensions of elongate segments. These parameter variations allow optimization of cushioning effectiveness for different foot regions while using standard manufacturing tolerances, as the overall function is achieved through the fluid-coupled system rather than precise geometric alignment
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 offers responsive and soft cushioning, enhancing foot support and stability by attenuating ground-reaction forces, particularly during dynamic movements, while maintaining a consistent pressure system across the bladder segments.
Implementation Method 1
The pressurized fluid within the chamber compresses resiliently under an applied load to provide cushioning to the foot
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a consistent pressure system across the bladder segments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A bladder (206) for an article of footwear (10) includes a chamber (220) having (i) an arcuate segment (246A, 246B) extending from a first transition (233A, 233B, 233C, 233D, 233E) to a second transition (233A, 233B, 233C, 233D, 233E), (ii) a first plurality of elongate segments (226, 228) extending in a first direction from the first transition (233A, 233B, 233C, 233D, 233E) to a first terminal end (234A, 234B, 258, 334A, 334B), and (iii) a second plurality of elongate segments (226, 228) spaced apart from the first plurality of elongate segments (226, 228) and extending in the first direction from the second transition (233A, 233B, 233C, 233D, 233E) to a second terminal end (234A, 234B, 258, 334A, 334B). The bladder (206) also includes a web area (222) connecting the arcuate segment (246A, 246B), the first plurality of elongate segments (226, 228), and the second plurality of elongate segments (226, 228) and extending to a terminal edge (236) spaced apart from each of the first terminal end (234A, 234B, 258, 334A, 334B) and the second terminal end (234A, 234B, 258, 334A, 334B).