Fluid-Control Foot Support Bladders With Zoned Pressure Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an efficient system for dynamically controlling foot support pressure, which can lead to discomfort and inadequate support during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid flow control system integrated into footwear, featuring a manifold, valve stem, and solenoid-based mechanisms that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers, enabling adjustable pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear structure is used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but foot support pressure control capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into multiple functional zones with independent fluid control. The sole structure includes multiple bladders (heel bladder, midfoot bladder, forefoot bladder) that can be independently pressurized or depressurized to provide targeted support in different regions of the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, adjusts pressure distribution, and adapts to different activity levels. The same fluid network that inflates the bladder also controls pressure in individual zones through the distribution channels and valves.
2Ease of operation
If fixed foot support pressure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and performance adaptation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pressure to dynamic pressure control. Fluid valves enable real-time adjustment of pressure in different bladder zones based on user activity level, allowing the footwear to adapt during use rather than maintaining a fixed pressure state.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are integrated into the fluid system to monitor actual pressure levels in each bladder zone. This feedback is sent to a control system that automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain optimal pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid movement control mechanisms are added, then foot support pressure adjustability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components. The fluid distribution system merges the fluid channels, valves, and bladder connections into a unified network that is manufactured as a single assembly, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid distribution manifold acts as an intermediary component that simplifies connections between the fluid source, valves, and multiple bladders. This central distribution point provides standardized connection interfaces that ease assembly and maintenance.
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 system provides customizable foot support pressure, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing for real-time adjustments based on activity level and user input, thereby improving overall footwear functionality.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-based mechanisms that allow for selective movement of fluid within and between foot support bladders and containers
Data Source
AI summary
Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.