Foot Support Bladder Pressure Control Using Solenoid Fluid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to discomfort and inadequate support during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, utilizing a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers, allowing for adjustable foot support pressure through multiple operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear is used without fluid control systems, then the device complexity is low, but the foot support pressure cannot be dynamically adjusted leading to discomfort and inadequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support system is divided into multiple independent bladders (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be controlled separately. Each bladder can be inflated or deflated independently to provide localized pressure adjustment across different regions of the foot, enabling customized support without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic pressure adjustment through solenoid valves that can rapidly inflate or deflate bladders based on real-time conditions. The controller receives input from pressure sensors and user inputs to dynamically modify foot support pressure during different phases of gait or activity, transforming a static footwear system into an adaptive one.
2Measurement precision
If fluid control systems with multiple sensors and valves are implemented, then foot support pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure sensors are strategically positioned within the footwear structure to monitor pressure at different locations (heel, midfoot, forefoot). The controller integrates signals from all sensors to compute overall foot support pressure, combining simple individual measurements into a precise composite metric without requiring each sensor to be individually complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic pressure regulation where the controller continuously monitors sensor input and autonomously adjusts valve operation to maintain optimal pressure. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the user interface while maintaining high control precision through closed-loop feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic pressure adjustment is implemented through fluid movement, then foot support adaptability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to pumps and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control system operates periodically rather than continuously, with solenoid valves activating only when pressure adjustment is needed based on sensor feedback or user input. The system monitors pressure conditions and triggers inflation or deflation cycles only during transitions or when pressure thresholds are exceeded, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and redistributes fluid between bladders rather than constantly pumping new fluid into the system. When one bladder needs deflation, the fluid can be redirected to another bladder that requires inflation, reducing the overall energy required for fluid movement while maintaining pressure balance across the foot support system.
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
This system provides customizable foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for dynamic adjustments based on activity level and user input, thereby improving overall footwear functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuated valve stem for selectively opening and closing the fluid pathway
Implementation Method 2
changing a volume of a foot support bladder by moving fluid through a continuous fluid line that extends between the foot support bladder and the fluid container
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.