Tethered Fluid Chambers for Custom Footwear Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional midsoles in footwear lack effective mechanisms to provide tailored compression characteristics across different regions, leading to inadequate support and cushioning during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fluid-filled chambers with varying tether configurations within the midsole, utilizing polymer sheets and tethers to create distinct compression zones, which are secured by bonding and thermoforming processes to retain pressurized fluid and maintain shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional midsoles use uniform foamed polymer material throughout, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the midsole cannot provide tailored compression characteristics across different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple discrete regions, each containing fluid-filled chambers with different tether configurations. This segmentation allows each region to have customized compression characteristics while maintaining overall midsole functionality. The chambers are distributed throughout the midsole structure, creating distinct zones with varying mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole are equipped with chambers having different tether densities, lengths, and configurations to provide location-specific compression characteristics. Areas requiring greater cushioning have chambers with more compliant tether arrangements, while areas needing support have chambers with stiffer tether configurations, creating localized functional zones within the midsole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid-filled chambers with varying tether configurations are integrated into the midsole, then tailored compression characteristics are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and process difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled chambers are pre-assembled with their specific tether configurations before integration into the midsole. This preliminary preparation allows for standardized manufacturing of chamber units that can be systematically installed into the midsole structure, reducing on-site assembly complexity and enabling quality control during the chamber fabrication stage rather than during final midsole assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled chambers act as intermediary elements between the upper and outsole, providing a modular interface that simplifies integration. The chambers can be inserted into predetermined locations within the midsole structure, serving as self-contained units that require minimal complex assembly procedures while achieving the desired tailored compression characteristics.
3Reliability
If multiple tether configurations are used to create distinct compression zones, then customized support and cushioning are provided, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled chamber design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, cushioning, and compression control through a single integrated component. Each chamber unit with its tether configuration acts as a multi-functional element that combines the roles of support structure, fluid reservoir, and compression mechanism, reducing the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Compression characteristics are adjusted by varying parameters of the existing chamber design, such as tether length, tether density, tether material properties, and fluid pressure, rather than introducing fundamentally different component types. This parameter-based approach allows for tailored compression zones while maintaining a consistent chamber architecture, simplifying manufacturing and assembly procedures.
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 enhances the footwear's ability to provide customized support and cushioning by varying compression characteristics across different regions, improving stability and comfort during ambulatory activities.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier retains fluid in the at least one interior cavity
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first tethers having a first configuration in the at least one interior cavity. The plurality of first tethers operatively connect the first portion to the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier.