Segmented Fluid-Filled Sole Structure for Cushioning and Durability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack optimal balance between cushioning, support, and durability, particularly in areas subject to varying ground-reaction forces during athletic movements.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure incorporating a fluid-filled bladder with segmented chambers and barrier layers, where each segment is defined by a specific geometry and fluid communication, providing graded cushioning and stability through pressurized fluid distribution and polymer foam integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid-filled bladder is used in the midsole, then cushioning is improved, but durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) separated by web areas. This segmentation allows the bladder to better distribute stress and ground-reaction forces across different regions, improving durability while maintaining cushioning performance in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole combines fluid-filled bladder segments with polymer foam material. The polymer foam provides structural support and durability, while the fluid-filled segments provide responsive cushioning. This composite approach allows both cushioning and durability requirements to be met simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single-chamber bladder is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying ground-reaction forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can independently respond to ground-reaction forces in different regions of the foot. Each segment can compress and expand independently, providing adaptability to varying loads while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the bladder can be positioned in specific regions (heel, midfoot, forefoot) to provide localized cushioning where needed. The web areas connecting the segments allow for regional adaptation to ground-reaction forces while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If barrier layers are sealed together to form a bladder, then fluid containment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is manufactured as separate segmented chambers that are then assembled together. This allows each segment to be produced and quality-tested independently, improving fluid containment reliability while facilitating modular manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple barrier layers are sealed together to form the complete bladder structure. This merging of layers provides redundant containment paths, improving fluid containment reliability while the modular segmented design facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.
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
Enhances cushioning and support by adapting to varying loads, offering responsive cushioning and improved durability through segmented fluid distribution and polymer foam integration, thereby optimizing footwear performance.
Implementation Method 1
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 an applied load
Implementation Method 2
compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 3
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 4
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 an applied load
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, a third segment extending from one of the first segment and the second segment and terminating at a distal end intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.