Segmented Fluid-Filled Footwear Bladder for Cushioning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack an efficient design that balances cushioning, stability, and responsiveness, particularly in the forefoot and heel regions, while also providing a durable and comfortable fit.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-filled bladder with a tapered chamber design and segmented cushioning system, comprising a bladder with a series of interconnected fluid-filled segments and varying thicknesses, is integrated into the sole structure, enhancing cushioning and stability through a gradient cushioning effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid-filled bladder with tapered chamber design and segmented cushioning system is integrated into the sole structure, then cushioning and comfort are improved by attenuating ground-reaction forces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple interconnected segments with varying thicknesses along its length, creating a segmented cushioning system that provides different levels of support in different regions of the footwear sole
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder features a tapered chamber design where the thickness varies at different locations, with thicker sections providing enhanced cushioning in high-impact areas and thinner sections providing responsiveness in other regions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid-filled bladder is used to provide cushioning, then comfort is improved, but durability may be compromised due to the sealed barrier layers
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is pressurized with fluid at controlled pressure levels, and the thickness of the barrier layers is optimized to balance cushioning performance with durability requirements for the sealed structure
3Ease of operation
If the bladder is pressurized to enhance responsiveness, then cushioning performance is improved, but the structure becomes more sensitive to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is pre-pressurized with fluid before use, establishing the cushioning system in advance so that it is ready to attenuate ground-reaction forces immediately upon contact with the ground
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 fluid-filled bladder provides responsive and adaptive cushioning, improving comfort and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces, especially during athletic movements, while maintaining durability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear having a heel region, a mid-foot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a peripheral region. The sole structure including a bladder having a chamber including an arcuate segment extending around the heel region, a first segment extending along the peripheral region on a medial side of the sole structure from the arcuate segment to a first terminal end in the forefoot region, and a second segment spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure and extending along the peripheral region on a lateral side of the sole structure from the arcuate segment to a second terminal end in the forefoot region. A peripheral outsole extends along the chamber and a first cushion is disposed between the first segment and the second segment and is exposed through an opening of the peripheral outsole.