Advanced Digital Molding for Custom Manufacturing
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed digital molding technology for manufacturing articles such as footwear. However, this technology has limitations in terms of its application to other industries. The present invention addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to entirely different fields, providing a solution for customized production with varying properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of digital molding technology to diverse industries, providing a non-obvious solution for customized production with varying properties. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original technology to address the specific needs of each industry, resulting in a new and innovative approach to manufacturing.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention may include varying the type of curable liquid, the design of the mold, or the substrate material used. Additionally, the system could be modified to accommodate different industries or applications, such as aerospace or automotive, by adjusting the properties of the mold and the curable liquid.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including jewelry, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, and medical devices. The ability to create customized products with unique properties addresses a growing demand for personalized solutions, offering a competitive advantage in the market. The invention could also enable new business models, such as on-demand production and bespoke manufacturing, with potential for high revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A43 | A43B1/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B3/34 |
| A | A43 | A43B13/04 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/003 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B23/0215 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/02 |
| A | A43 | A43D999/00 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/112 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/209 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/336 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/393 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/00 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/12 |
| B | B33 | B33Y10/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y30/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y50/02 |
| B | B33 | B33Y70/00 |
| A | A43 | A43B5/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D2200/60 |
| B | B29 | B29K2075/00 |
| B | B29 | B29K2105/04 |
| B | B29 | B29K2713/00 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/50 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing technologies, with specific expertise in three-dimensional printing, molding techniques, and material science for customized production processes across medical, prosthetic, and consumer product domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degrees, expertise in digital fabrication, material property manipulation, and cross-domain manufacturing techniques, capable of translating digital design principles across different industrial applications
Obviousness Rationale
The source patent's digital molding technology provides a foundational framework for creating customized articles with variable material properties using robotic printing techniques. A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of gradient material deposition and three-dimensional printing can be readily adapted to diverse industries by systematically modifying mold design, material composition, and printing parameters. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological innovations, demonstrating how a skilled practitioner would naturally apply the disclosed method to solve domain-specific manufacturing challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,023 |
|---|---|
| Title | Digital molding and associated articles and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Kornit Digital Technologies Ltd. |