Adaptive Hinge Tech: Medical Device Fitting Solution

Publication ID: 24-11857038_0002_PTD

Published: October 27, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Hinge Tech: Medical Device Fitting Solution,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857038_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857038_0002_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. 11,857,038.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a hinge assembly for jewelry, providing a solution for rigid pieces of jewelry to be opened and closed for fitting about a portion of a wearer. However, this technology has limitations in its original application. The present invention addresses the need for adjustable and secure fitting in medical and wearable devices, where a snug and comfortable fit is crucial.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the spring-biased hinge assembly to medical and wearable devices, which is non-obvious and distinct from the original patent's jewelry-focused invention. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the hinge assembly to address the specific needs of medical and wearable devices, providing a solution that is not suggested by the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different types of spring-biased arms, such as coil springs or torsion springs, and various cuff or wearable device designs to accommodate different body types and applications. Additionally, the invention could be integrated with other technologies, such as sensors or actuators, to enhance its functionality and value.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adjustable hinge assembly for medical and wearable devices has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and wearable technology industries. The invention could be licensed to medical device manufacturers, wearable technology companies, or used to develop new products and services, providing a competitive advantage in terms of comfort, precision, and reliability.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A44	A44C5/12

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical and wearable device design, specifically focusing on adjustable cuff mechanisms with spring-loaded hinge assemblies for body-mounted devices

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in mechanical design, biomechanical engineering, and medical device manufacturing, familiar with adaptive wearable technologies and spring-based mechanical systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core mechanical principles of the jewelry hinge assembly are directly transferable to medical and wearable device applications. The spring-biased mechanism's fundamental function of providing adjustable, secure positioning remains consistent across different domains. The adaptation of the hinge assembly to medical and athletic monitoring devices represents a predictable variation that requires only routine engineering skill.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Spring-biased hinge assembly with rotatable rigid portions

PTD Variation

Applying the hinge mechanism to medical cuffs and wearable monitoring devices

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of adapting mechanical designs across related fields, with predictable results in achieving adjustable body-mounted device fitting

Source Patent Element

Leaf spring configuration for maintaining closed position

PTD Variation

Using similar spring mechanisms to secure medical sensors and athletic monitoring devices

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable extension of existing spring-based positioning technology to alternative application domains

Source Patent Element

Rigid band element with pivoting portions

PTD Variation

Creating cuffs for medical monitoring and athletic performance tracking

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine design adaptation using known mechanical principles to solve similar positioning and fitting challenges

Source Patent Element

Jewelry band with adjustable positioning

PTD Variation

Medical and athletic monitoring devices with similar adjustable cuff mechanisms

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious combination of known mechanical principles across related technological domains

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857038's disclosure of a spring-biased hinge assembly, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the adaptation to medical and wearable monitoring devices an obvious variation. The fundamental mechanical principles remain unchanged, with the primary modification being the specific application domain, which represents a predictable and routine engineering design choice.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,038
Title	Jewelry with hinge assembly
Assignee(s)	David Yurman IP LLC