Stacked Fluid-Filled Bladder Footwear Sole Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cushioning systems in articles of footwear often fail to provide optimal comfort and performance due to limitations in shock absorption and distribution across different regions of the foot.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure incorporating a fluid-filled bladder system with stacked bladder elements, where each element has a sealable internal cavity and recessed portions, is positioned between the midsole and outsole to enhance cushioning and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cushioning systems are used in articles of footwear, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shock absorption and pressure distribution performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning system is divided into multiple independent bladder elements (first bladder element, second bladder element, third bladder element) positioned at different regions (heel, midfoot, forefoot). Each bladder element can independently attenuate impact forces, allowing the system to provide region-specific cushioning while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid-filled bladder elements that leverage pneumatic principles to absorb and dissipate impact forces. The fluid within each bladder element compresses under impact and rebounds, providing effective shock absorption without requiring complex mechanical spring or air-spring mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform cushioning is provided across the entire sole, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the comfort and performance for different foot regions is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
Different bladder elements are positioned in specific foot regions (heel region, midfoot region, forefoot region) to provide localized cushioning where needed. The first bladder element targets the heel, the second addresses the midfoot, and the third serves the forefoot, allowing each region to receive customized cushioning appropriate to its specific impact and pressure characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple functional zones with dedicated bladder elements for each region. This segmentation allows independent optimization of cushioning characteristics for different foot areas while maintaining a systematic approach to 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
The fluid-filled bladder system effectively attenuates impact forces and distributes pressure evenly across the foot, improving comfort and performance by providing customized cushioning in various regions of the sole assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A cushioning system is positioned between the midsole and the outsole. The cushioning system includes a first bladder element, a second bladder element, and a third bladder element. Each bladder element has an internal cavity that is sealable and at least one upper recessed portion and at least one lower recessed portion surrounded by an upper peripheral surface and a lower peripheral surface, respectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear comprising a sole assembly; a first bladder element having at least one chamber filled with a fluid, the first bladder element having a first bladder upper surface and a first bladder lower surface; a second bladder element having at least one chamber filled with a fluid, the second bladder element having a second bladder upper surface and a second bladder lower surface, the first bladder lower surface being in contact with the second bladder upper surface; and a window extending between a lateral side and a medial side of the sole assembly, wherein at least a portion of the first bladder element is exposed by the window on the lateral and medial sides, and at least a portion of the second bladder element is exposed by the window on the lateral and medial sides, and wherein the sole assembly comprises a midsole and an outsole, and the window extends between the midsole and the outsole.