Automating Support in Running Shoes with Solenoids

A manufacturer of running shoes wanted their shoes to automatically adjust to the speed of the wearer, providing additional comfort and support. TLX designed a miniature solenoid air valve with magnetic latching technology to integrate into the shoe’s cushioning system.

Customer Problem

A manufacturer of running shoes wanted their shoes to automatically adjust to the speed of the wearer, providing additional comfort and support. To accomplish this, the manufacturer needed a solution that controlled the dispersal of air in the shoe’s dual-bladder cushioning system.

The TLX Solution

TLX designed a miniature solenoid air valve with magnetic latching technology to integrate into the shoe’s cushioning system. The unique design worked in conjunction with the cushioning system’s sensor to disperse air between the bladders. The design fit into the tight space in the sole of the shoe, provided the necessary flow parameters needed for the cushioning system and was also durable enough to withstand the constant pounding. The use of magnetic latching technology minimized power consumption and extended the life of the battery.

View Design Solution

Miniature Solenoid Air Valve

Coil resistance at 20°C: 25 ± 2 Ω

Stroke: .1524 ± .0254 mm

Spring load (latched): 1.81 N

Spring load (de-latched): 1.72 N

Duty rating (%ED): 100%

Oriﬁce size: 1 mm

Supply voltage: 3 Vdc

Current: 150 mA

Max pressure: 15 psi

Solenoid weight: 14.17476 g (.5 oz) min

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

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Localized production in USA and China
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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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