Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Powered Smart Midsole: Next-Gen Footwear Technology

Publication ID: 24-11857024_0008_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Powered Smart Midsole: Next-Gen Footwear Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857024_0008_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857024_0008_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. 11,857,024.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a high-performance composite foam for midsoles, but its limitations included lack of customization, limited durability prediction, and no integration with advanced technologies. The new invention addresses these limitations by integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to create a more powerful system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention introduces the integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials with the original composite foam, providing a novel and non-obvious synergistic system that enhances user experience, performance, and sustainability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments include using different AI algorithms, varying IoT sensor configurations, or incorporating additional advanced technologies like augmented reality or biometrics. Variations could also include using different materials or manufacturing processes to create the composite foam.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The synergistic midsole system has significant commercial potential in the athletic footwear industry, with potential applications in high-performance, recreational, and lifestyle footwear. The integration of advanced technologies also opens up opportunities in the wearables, health monitoring, and sustainable materials markets.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/026
A A43 A43B13/04
C C08 C08J9/0061
C C08 C08L75/04
C C08 C08J2367/02
C C08 C08J2375/04
C C08 C08J2377/00
C C08 C08J2467/02
C C08 C08J2475/04
C C08 C08J2477/00

Field of Art

Footwear materials engineering, specifically composite foam technologies for athletic shoe midsoles, involving polymer chemistry, materials science, and performance footwear design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A materials engineer or footwear design professional with expertise in polymer composites, thermoplastic elastomers, and advanced manufacturing techniques, holding at least a bachelor's degree in materials science, polymer engineering, or related field

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain with existing composite foam midsole technologies represents a predictable extension of current performance footwear innovation. The fundamental composite foam structure remains consistent with the source patent, while digital enhancements provide incremental functionality through well-established technological integration techniques. The proposed variations leverage standard sensor, machine learning, and data management technologies to augment an existing materials innovation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Composite foam with pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer in polyurethane matrix
PTD Variation
Adding IoT sensors to track performance and provide real-time feedback about midsole characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensors into material structures is a known technique in smart materials, representing a predictable application of existing sensor technologies to an established materials platform
Source Patent Element
Thermoplastic elastomer pellets with specific dimensional characteristics
PTD Variation
Utilizing machine learning algorithms to predict foam durability based on sensor data and environmental interactions
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying predictive analytics to material performance is a standard engineering approach, with machine learning providing a systematic method for analyzing complex material interactions
Source Patent Element
Composite foam design focused on performance athletic footwear
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based user data management for customized midsole configurations
Obviousness Reasoning
Personalization through secure data management is a known trend in performance footwear, representing an obvious extension of existing customization strategies
Source Patent Element
Thermoplastic elastomer composition with polyurethane matrix
PTD Variation
Incorporating enhanced thermal insulation properties through advanced material selection
Obviousness Reasoning
Material optimization is a standard engineering practice, with thermal performance improvements representing a predictable design iteration for performance footwear
Source Patent Element
Performance-oriented composite foam midsole design
PTD Variation
AI-driven dynamic foam property adjustment based on user behavior and environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive material systems are an emerging but predictable technological progression, with AI providing a systematic approach to real-time material performance optimization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857024's disclosure of composite foam midsole technologies, the present publication demonstrates that integrating digital technologies, sensor systems, and adaptive material strategies represents an obvious technological progression for a person having ordinary skill in footwear materials engineering. The proposed variations constitute prima facie obvious extensions of the foundational composite foam innovation, utilizing standard technological integration techniques and predictable design methodologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,024
TitleComposite foam for midsole
Assignee(s)Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc.