Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Driven Customizable Footwear: Smart Manufacturing Tech

Publication ID: 24-11857022_0010_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Driven Customizable Footwear: Smart Manufacturing Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857022_0010_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857022_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,022.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strands. However, it had limitations in terms of customization, manufacturing efficiency, and real-time performance monitoring. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing a system that combines AI-driven design, robotic manufacturing, and wearable sensors to create a truly customizable and high-performance footwear system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's novelty lies in the integration of AI-driven design, robotic manufacturing, and real-time performance monitoring, which enables unparalleled customization and innovation in the footwear industry. The inventive step is the combination of these technologies to create a seamless and efficient system for designing, manufacturing, and monitoring high-performance footwear.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different materials or manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing or injection molding, to create the knitted component. The system could also be adapted for use in other industries, such as medical devices or aerospace, where customized and high-performance components are critical.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new invention has significant commercial potential in the footwear industry, particularly in the areas of high-performance sports footwear and customized fashion footwear. The system's ability to provide real-time performance monitoring and feedback also opens up opportunities in the health and wellness industry. Additionally, the technology could be licensed to other industries, such as medical devices or aerospace, where customized and high-performance components are critical.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B1/04
A A43 A43B1/0063
A A43 A43B23/021
A A43 A43B23/025
A A43 A43B23/0215
A A43 A43B23/0235
A A43 A43B23/0245
A A43 A43B23/0265
A A43 A43B23/0275
A A43 A43B23/042
A A43 A43C1/04
D D04 D04B1/123
D D10 D10B2403/0213
D D10 D10B2403/02411
D D10 D10B2403/032
D D10 D10B2501/043

Field of Art

Footwear design and manufacturing, with specific expertise in knitted textile components, advanced manufacturing techniques, and performance footwear engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in textile engineering, materials science, or mechanical engineering, having 3-5 years experience in athletic footwear design, familiar with advanced knitting technologies, CAD systems, and performance optimization techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating AI-driven design, sensor technologies, and advanced manufacturing techniques into the existing knitted footwear component framework represents a predictable technological evolution. The source patent's detailed knitted component with tensile strand technology provides a clear foundation for extending design capabilities through digital platforms and performance monitoring. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using known techniques in digital design, manufacturing, and sensor integration.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Knitted component with unitary construction and tensile strands
PTD Variation
AI-driven generative design of knitted component with integrated tensile strands
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of machine learning to existing textile design processes, representing a known technique for optimizing engineering design
Source Patent Element
Knitted upper with overlapping layers and spacer strands
PTD Variation
Real-time sensor monitoring of tensile strand performance within knitted structure
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing structural design to incorporate performance tracking, using standard microcontroller and sensor technologies
Source Patent Element
Base portion of knitted component coextensive with sole structure
PTD Variation
Digital twin modeling of footwear for optimization before physical manufacturing
Obviousness Reasoning
Application of computational design techniques to existing footwear engineering, representing a standard approach to product development
Source Patent Element
Knitted component with monofilament material
PTD Variation
Robotic manufacturing system for precisely creating complex knitted structures
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable technological progression in manufacturing, applying known robotic techniques to textile production
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857022's teachings of knitted footwear components with tensile strands, a person of ordinary skill would find the proposed variations involving AI design, robotic manufacturing, and performance monitoring to be obvious extensions of existing technological capabilities, thus rendering potential claims in this domain anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,022
TitleArticle of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strand
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.