Vacuum System for Wearable Footwear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of apparel and footwear are adjustable but do not allow for the shape to conform to the wearer's body, making it difficult to achieve an optimum fit.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system for wearable articles, comprising an adjustable element with a bladder, a compressible component, and a port, along with a pump that adjusts the pressure of the interior void between two different pressures, allowing the article to transition between a relaxed and a constricted state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable elements (clasps, elastic bands) are used to secure the article, then the article can be adjusted to different sizes, but the article cannot conform to the wearer's body shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a chamber formed by the adjustable element and the wearer's body. This pneumatic force enables the article to conform precisely to the body shape, transforming a simple adjustable structure into a form-fitting garment through pressure differential control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the adjustable element by transitioning from atmospheric pressure to negative pressure (vacuum). This parameter change allows the material to dynamically adapt its shape and tension, enabling conformability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each body contour.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the article is made from flexible material to accommodate various sizes, then the article can be adjusted for different wearers, but the article lacks structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic vacuum system provides structural support through negative pressure that pulls the flexible material taut against the body, creating firm support without rigid components. The vacuum force transforms the flexible material into a supportive structure that maintains its shape and provides strength while remaining adaptable to body contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability where the level of support and compression can be varied by controlling the vacuum pressure. The system transitions from a static flexible structure to a dynamically adjustable one, allowing the user to optimize both comfort and support levels by regulating the vacuum pump operation.
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 vacuum system enables customizable fitting by allowing the article to conform to the wearer's body, providing improved support and fit through adjustable pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum system for a wearable article includes an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an exterior surface and an interior void and a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder. The port is operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder. The vacuum system also includes a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state.