Advanced Molded Component Integration with IoT Tech

Publication ID: 24-11857025_0008_PTD

Published: October 27, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Molded Component Integration with IoT Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857025_0008_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857025_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. 11,857,025.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and system for forming molded components with inserts. However, the limitations of this approach include the lack of integration with emerging technologies, limited customization options, and inadequate tracking and authentication mechanisms. The present invention addresses these limitations by synergistically combining the original patent's concepts with cutting-edge technologies to create a more powerful, intelligent, and connected system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in the synergistic combination of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more powerful, intelligent, and connected system. The inventive step is the integration of these distinct technologies to overcome the limitations of the original patent and provide unprecedented performance, customization, and authentication capabilities.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different AI platforms, IoT sensor configurations, or blockchain protocols. Variations may include the application of this system to other industries, such as aerospace or automotive, or the integration of additional technologies, such as augmented reality or 5G connectivity.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The potential commercial applications of this invention are vast, with target industries including footwear, aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. The market potential is significant, with the global IoT market projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027 and the global blockchain market projected to reach $39.7 billion by 2025.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A43	A43B13/04
B	B29	B29D35/0018
B	B29	B29D35/122
B	B29	B29D35/14
B	B29	B29D35/142

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Molded component manufacturing, specifically footwear and insert fabrication technologies involving material forming, injection molding, and advanced manufacturing techniques with expertise in materials science, manufacturing processes, and design engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degree, 5-7 years industrial experience in manufacturing design, familiar with composite materials, injection molding techniques, and emerging manufacturing technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core molding methodology by integrating known technological advancements like AI-driven design, IoT sensor embedding, and advanced material composites. The fundamental molding process remains consistent with the original patent, while introducing incremental technological improvements that would be considered routine innovation within the field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Method of forming a molded article with an insert using a plug and receptacle

PTD Variation

3D printing the molded component using AI-driven design platform with carbon fiber and graphene composite materials

Obviousness Reasoning

Substituting traditional molding with 3D printing and advanced materials represents a predictable technological evolution using known manufacturing techniques

Source Patent Element

Insert with engagement features for molding process

PTD Variation

Embedding IoT sensors within molded article to enable performance monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensors into molded components is a known technique for adding functional capabilities to manufactured articles

Source Patent Element

Molding method involving heat and pressure

PTD Variation

Blockchain-based authentication platform verifying article's provenance using embedded sensor data

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding digital authentication layers to physical manufacturing processes is a straightforward technological extension

Source Patent Element

Elastomer-based plug formation in receptacle

PTD Variation

Generative AI creating customized design options based on user preferences

Obviousness Reasoning

Using AI for design optimization represents an incremental improvement in manufacturing design methodologies

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Under 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious extensions of US Patent 11857025, as they represent predictable technological improvements applying known techniques in AI, IoT, and advanced materials to the foundational molding methodology, thereby rendering potential derivative claims unpatentable through routine engineering modifications.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,025
Title	System and method for forming a molded component with an insert
Assignee(s)	NIKE, Inc.