Foot Support Valve Manifold for Selective Bladder Pressure Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks the ability to dynamically control and adjust fluid pressure within foot support systems, such as bladders, to provide customizable support and comfort based on the user's activity level or preferences.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of fluid distributors and flow control systems, including movable valve stems and solenoids, to selectively manage fluid flow and pressure within foot support bladders, allowing for various operational states to enhance comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional athletic footwear is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to dynamically control and adjust fluid pressure within foot support systems is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support system is divided into multiple independent bladders (first bladder, second bladder, third bladder) that can be individually controlled. Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to provide localized pressure adjustment across different foot regions, enabling dynamic adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides static support through pre-inflated bladders, dynamic adjustment through user-controlled fluid transfer, and adaptive response through sensors that detect foot position and automatically adjust pressure. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple separate components.
2Ease of operation
If fluid distributors and flow control systems are incorporated, then customizable foot support pressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect foot insertion and pressure conditions, then autonomously control fluid transfer between bladders without requiring manual intervention. The microprocessor monitors sensor data and adjusts fluid distribution automatically, making the complex system easy to operate through fully automatic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor foot position and pressure conditions, providing real-time feedback to the microprocessor. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust fluid pressure in response to detected conditions, allowing users to customize support levels while the system maintains optimal pressure through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bladders and fluid transfer systems are used, then foot support adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bladder components are integrated into a unified fluid distribution system that shares common fluid pathways and control mechanisms. The first, second, and third bladders are connected through a centralized fluid distribution network, allowing them to be manufactured and assembled as an integrated unit rather than separate components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of foot support pressure, providing customizable comfort and support by allowing fluid to be distributed between bladders, containers, and the external environment, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of fluid distributors and flow control systems, including movable valve stems and solenoids, to selectively manage fluid flow and pressure within foot support bladders
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Foot support systems for articles of footwear include: (a) a foot support bladder (200); (b) a fluid container (400); (c) a fluid supply (e.g., via pump(s) 600H, 600F, the external environment (150), a compressor, etc.); (d) a valve housing (902); and (e) a valve stem (910) movably (e.g., rotatably) mounted in the valve housing (902). The valve stem (910) includes a first end (910A), a second end (910B), and a perimeter wall (910W) extending between the first end (910 A) and the second end (910B). The first end (910A), the second end (910B), and the perimeter wall (910W) define an internal chamber (9101) of the valve stem (910), and the perimeter wall (910W) of the valve stem (910) includes a plurality of through holes (91 OH) extending from the internal chamber (9101) to an exterior surface of the perimeter wall (910W). A fluid inlet port (8001, 902A) places the fluid supply in fluid communication with the internal chamber (9101). The foot support system further includes a manifold (800) having: (a) a first manifold port (800B, 804) in fluid communication with the external environment (150) and opening into a first fluid flow path (806) extending through the manifold (800), (b) a second manifold port (800C, 808) in fluid communication with the foot support bladder (200) and opening into a second fluid flow path (810) extending through the manifold (800), and (c) a third manifold port (800D, 814) in fluid communication with the fluid container (400) and opening into a third fluid flow path (812) extending through the manifold (800). Movement of the valve stem (910) to a plurality of positions selectively places the foot support system in a plurality of operational states by placing one or more of the plurality of through holes (91 OH) of the valve stem (910) in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path (806), the second fluid flow path (810), and/or the third fluid flow path (812).