Segmented Footwear Sole Bladder for Support and Responsiveness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack an efficient design that balances support, cushioning, and responsiveness, particularly in the integration of fluid-filled bladders, which often compromise on one or more of these properties.
Innovation Solution
A bladder design for footwear sole structures featuring multiple fluid-filled segments, including converging segments and interconnected conduits, formed from barrier layers that provide enhanced support and cushioning characteristics, with segments exposed at the ground-contacting surface for improved responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fluid-filled bladder is integrated into the sole structure to provide cushioning, then cushioning performance is improved, but structural 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 sole structure. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for specific cushioning zones while maintaining overall structural manageability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled segments are nested within the layered sole structure, with the bladder positioned between the outsole and midsole layers. The segments are arranged in a configured arrangement within the sole structure, allowing compact integration without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Speed
If the bladder is designed with multiple segments to balance support and cushioning, then responsiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into multiple fluid-filled segments that can be independently formed and then connected through fluid communication. This allows each segment to be manufactured separately with optimized dimensions and then assembled, potentially simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the responsiveness benefits of a multi-segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid-filled segments are connected through fluid communication to function as an integrated cushioning system. The segments are joined in a configured arrangement where fluid can move between segments, combining the benefits of multiple chambers while presenting a unified structure that may be easier to manufacture than a single complex bladder.
3Reliability
If barrier layers are used to form the bladder to ensure durability, then reliability is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is formed from flexible barrier layers that provide the necessary durability and fluid containment. These thin film barrier layers are used to create the fluid-filled segments, offering a cost-effective solution that maintains reliability without requiring thick or expensive materials, as the barrier function is achieved through the inherent properties of the thin film material.
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 design enhances the balance of support, cushioning, and responsiveness, providing a more dynamic and comfortable footwear experience by optimizing the interaction between fluid-filled segments and the ground.
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. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase the 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 midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase the durability of the sole structure
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a bladder and a cushioning member. The bladder includes a first fluid-filled segment including a first and second terminal ends disposed on opposite ends of the first fluid-filled segment along a first longitudinal axis of the first fluid-filled segment. The first longitudinal axis extends in a first direction from a heel region of the article of footwear to a forefoot region of the article of footwear. A second fluid-filled segment is spaced apart from the first fluid-filled segment in a second direction transverse to the first direction and includes a third and fourth terminal ends disposed on opposite ends of the second fluid-filled segment along a second longitudinal axis of the second fluid-filled segment. A third fluid-filled segment extends in the second direction between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The bladder is received in the cushioning member.