Fluid Foot Support Bladders With Solenoid Pressure Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks advanced systems for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to inadequate comfort and performance during various activities, as existing technologies rely on static designs that fail to adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid flow control systems integrated into footwear, utilizing movable valve stems and solenoids to manage fluid pressure within bladders and containers, allowing for multiple operational states that adjust foot support pressure in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static footwear designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but foot support pressure adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic foot support system where fluid pressure within the sole structure can be adjusted in real-time through a pump mechanism and control system. The fluid pressure regulator allows dynamic modification of pressure levels, enabling the footwear to adapt to varying terrain conditions and user needs, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled dynamic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a fluid-based pressure system where a pump delivers fluid to the sole structure, and a fluid pressure regulator controls the pressure levels. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach enables smooth, continuous adjustment of foot support pressure without complex mechanical linkages, achieving high adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through the use of fluid mechanics.
2Ease of operation
If fluid flow control systems with multiple components are added, then foot support pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is configured to automatically regulate fluid pressure based on predetermined criteria, reducing the need for manual intervention. The system can autonomously adjust pressure levels in response to sensor inputs or pre-programmed sequences, making operation simpler while managing component complexity through automation rather than manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure system serves multiple functions: it provides foot support, adapts to terrain variations, and can potentially integrate with other footwear functions. By designing the pressure control system to handle multiple operational requirements through a single integrated mechanism, the patent improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 solution enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by accommodating different activities and terrain conditions, improving the overall functionality of footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The valve stem includes a solenoid that can be selectively actuated to move the valve stem between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position
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.