Vacuum Locking Bladder for Consistent Apparel and Footwear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of apparel and footwear lack the ability to lock the size or shape to a wearer's body part, making it difficult to achieve an optimum fit.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure comprising a bladder with barrier layers and locking elements that transition between an unlocked and locked state by adjusting fluid pressure within a chamber, using vacuum or reactive forces, to securely conform to the wearer's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable articles of apparel or footwear are used, then the article can accommodate various sizes of wearers or provide different fits, but the article cannot lock the size or shape to the wearer's body part, making it difficult to achieve an optimum fit
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure transitions between a first state (unlocked/relaxed) and a second state (locked/constricted), allowing the article to dynamically adapt between accommodating various sizes and providing a locked optimum fit. This dynamic state change enables the system to serve both adaptability and precision fit requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure changes physical parameters (such as volume, pressure, or structural rigidity) between different states. By altering these parameters, the article can switch between a flexible state for size accommodation and a locked state for precise fit, resolving the contradiction between versatility and manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If laces are used to secure the article, then the article can be adjusted to fit the wearer, but the laces do not cause the upper to lock in a size or shape conforming to the user's foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (like laces) with a vacuum-based locking mechanism. The vacuum locking structure uses negative pressure to hold the article in a locked state, providing more reliable lock retention while maintaining ease of operation through simple vacuum application and release.
3Manufacturing precision
If a locking structure is added to achieve secure fit, then the article can lock to the wearer's body part, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure utilizes pneumatic principles (vacuum pressure) to achieve locking functionality. By using a vacuum chamber and pressure differential, the system achieves reliable fit consistency without complex mechanical locking components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving manufacturing precision.
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 locking structure provides a secure fit by restricting deformation, enhancing comfort and fit consistency across various sizes and movements.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the chamber to move the locking elements between the locked and unlocked states
Implementation Method 2
the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the chamber causes the locking elements to transition between states
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber including an interior void and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to at least one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.