AI-Driven Adaptive Footwear: Next-Gen Biomechanical Design

Publication ID: 24-11857028_0005_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Driven Adaptive Footwear: Next-Gen Biomechanical Design,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857028_0005_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857028_0005_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. 11,857,028.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for adaptable and adjustable lacing systems has limitations in terms of user comfort, performance, and sustainability. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing AI-driven sensors, 4D printing, and adaptive materials to create a truly customized footwear experience.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in footwear technology by incorporating AI-driven sensors, 4D printing, and adaptive materials, making the original invention obsolete. The invention's novelty lies in its ability to provide real-time customization, personalized biomechanical support, and injury prevention, which is not achievable with traditional lacing systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in sensor types, printing technologies, and material compositions. For example, the AI-driven sensors could be replaced with other types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or temperature sensors. The 4D printing technology could be substituted with other additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing or laser sintering. The adaptive materials could be modified to respond to different environmental conditions, such as temperature or humidity.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive footwear system has vast commercial potential in various industries, including athletic footwear, outdoor gear, and healthcare. The system's ability to provide real-time customization, personalized biomechanical support, and injury prevention makes it an attractive solution for professional athletes, recreational runners, and individuals with foot injuries or disabilities. The sustainable manufacturing process enabled by advanced robotics and computer vision technology also opens up opportunities for partnerships with eco-friendly brands and environmentally conscious consumers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B23/028
A A43 A43B1/04
A A43 A43B5/06
A A43 A43B7/085
A A43 A43B23/02
A A43 A43B23/0205
A A43 A43B23/0235
A A43 A43B23/0255
A A43 A43B23/0275
A A43 A43B23/086
A A43 A43C1/00
A A43 A43C1/04
D D04 D04B1/123
D D04 D04B1/14
D D04 D04B1/16
D D04 D04B1/22
D D04 D04B1/24
D D10 D10B2401/041
D D10 D10B2403/02
D D10 D10B2501/043

Field of Art

Athletic and adaptive footwear design, focusing on upper construction, lacing systems, and material integration, with expertise in textile engineering, biomechanics, and advanced manufacturing techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in materials science or mechanical engineering, experienced in footwear design, familiar with textile manufacturing, 3D printing technologies, and sensor integration techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's AI-driven and adaptive technologies represent predictable extensions of the source patent's innovative lacing and textile upper design. The fundamental structural principles of footwear customization established in US 11857028 provide a clear technological foundation for integrating advanced sensing and adaptive materials. The proposed variations represent logical progressions in footwear design that leverage existing technological frameworks and known interdisciplinary techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
One-piece knit textile extending across medial and lateral quarters of footwear
PTD Variation
AI-driven sensors integrated directly into knit textile structure for dynamic biomechanical monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable integration of sensor technology into existing textile design, representing a known technique in smart textile development
Source Patent Element
Adjustable lacing system with quarter section configurations
PTD Variation
4D printing technology creating dynamically responsive lacing mechanisms
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of design solutions for adaptive footwear, utilizing known additive manufacturing techniques to enhance existing lacing system flexibility
Source Patent Element
Textile upper with configurable regions across forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms providing real-time biomechanical feedback and personalized fit adjustments
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing footwear customization principles, applying known computational techniques to enhance user experience
Source Patent Element
Modular upper construction with configurable textile components
PTD Variation
Interchangeable 3D-printed midsoles adaptable to different athletic activities
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design variation representing standard modular approach to footwear engineering, utilizing known additive manufacturing techniques
Source Patent Element
Textile-based footwear upper with adaptive material properties
PTD Variation
Sustainable manufacturing using recycled and biodegradable materials with advanced robotic production
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious environmental adaptation of existing manufacturing techniques, representing standard industry progression toward sustainable design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11857028 and the comprehensive technological disclosures herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and predictable extensions of existing footwear design principles. The proposed technical innovations represent logical combinations of known techniques in textile engineering, sensor integration, and adaptive manufacturing, thereby rendering subsequent patent claims obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,028
TitleFootwear including an adaptable and adjustable lacing system
Assignee(s)Under Armour, Inc.