Vacuum Locking Bladder for Stable 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 elements and locking elements that transition between an unlocked and locked state by adjusting fluid pressure within a chamber, using vacuum or force-responsive mechanisms to engage interface surfaces and form a rigid locking layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable articles of apparel or footwear are used, then various sizes can be accommodated, but the size or shape cannot be locked to a body part
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure transitions between unlocked and locked states dynamically. In the unlocked state, the article remains flexible and adjustable to accommodate various body part sizes. When vacuum pressure is applied, the locking elements engage to lock the article in a specific size or shape configuration, providing fit stability. This dynamic state change allows the system to switch between adaptability and reliability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the locking elements through vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure causes the locking elements to engage with the barrier elements, transitioning from a flexible state to a locked state. This parameter change (from atmospheric pressure to vacuum pressure) enables the article to maintain a locked size or shape configuration while still being adjustable when needed.
2Force
If laces are used to secure an article of footwear, then the article can be contracted around the wearer's foot, but the upper cannot lock in a size or shape conforming to the user's foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lacing system with a vacuum-based locking system. Instead of relying on friction and tension from laces, the system uses vacuum pressure to engage locking elements that positively lock the upper in a specific shape. This substitution provides more reliable shape locking while maintaining the ability to contract the article around the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vacuum pressure (pneumatics) to actuate the locking mechanism. The vacuum pressure differential causes the locking elements to engage with the barrier elements, creating a secure locked state that maintains the upper's shape. This pneumatic actuation provides consistent and reliable shape locking that cannot be achieved with mechanical lacing alone.
3Reliability
If a locking structure with multiple locking elements is implemented, then fit stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure uses a flexible bladder with integrated locking elements and barrier elements. The flexible nature of the bladder allows the locking elements to engage and disengage smoothly while conforming to the shape of the body part. This flexible shell approach provides fit stability through multiple locking points without requiring a complex rigid mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system serves multiple functions: it contracts the article around the body part, actuates the locking elements to engage with barrier elements, and maintains the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fit stability through multiple locking elements.
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 around the wearer, enhancing comfort and fit consistency.
Implementation Method 1
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 locking system including locking elements each attached to one of the first barrier element or the second barrier element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state
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.