Stacked Forefoot Bladders for Zoned Cushioning and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack effective cushioning and motion control, particularly in the forefoot region, and do not adequately address responsiveness and stability during dynamic movements.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with stacked forefoot cushioning components, including bladders and a midfoot plate, where each component has a tensile component and tethers to enhance cushioning and stability, and a midsole layer with recesses to accommodate these components, providing enhanced responsiveness and motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single large bladder is used in the forefoot area, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide zoned support for different toes
Solution Approach 1:
The single bladder is divided into multiple smaller bladders (first bladder for big toe, second bladder for other toes) that are stacked and positioned in the forefoot area. This segmentation allows each bladder to provide targeted support to specific toes, enabling zoned support while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of discrete, modular bladder units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bladders are positioned in the forefoot area, then zoned support is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple bladders are stacked and positioned within the same forefoot area, with each bladder nested or arranged in a compact configuration. The bladders can be positioned at different depths and locations (e.g., first bladder in the big toe area, second bladder in the other toes area), allowing efficient use of space and simplifying the assembly process by containing all bladder components within a single integrated forefoot structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bladders are stacked in the forefoot area, then zoned support is provided, but the volume of the footwear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladders are arranged in a stacked, three-dimensional configuration within the forefoot area, utilizing vertical and depth dimensions rather than only horizontal expansion. This allows multiple bladders to be compactly positioned without significantly increasing the overall external volume of the footwear, as the bladders occupy different spatial layers and positions within the existing forefoot space.
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 solution provides improved cushioning, responsiveness, and stability by utilizing stacked bladders and a midfoot plate, enhancing the overall performance of the footwear during dynamic activities.
Implementation Method 1
the bladder may be subject to expansion and contraction based on temperature and/or moisture levels
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear has a sole structure that includes a foam midsole layer. A first forefoot cushioning component is secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region, a second forefoot cushioning component overlies the first forefoot cushioning component, and a strobel extends at least in the forefoot region and the midfoot region and over the second forefoot cushioning component. One or more of the forefoot cushioning component, the second forefoot cushioning component, and the strobel may include a bladder and a tensile component. The bladder encloses and retains a gas in an interior cavity. The tensile component is disposed in the interior cavity.