Modular Assembly System: Cross-Industry Flexible Attachment

Publication ID: 24-11857068_0007_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Assembly System: Cross-Industry Flexible Attachment,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857068_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857068_0007_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. 11,857,068.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a toolless attachment assembly for electronic height-adjustable desks. However, this invention was limited to the furniture industry. The present invention addresses the need for a modular assembly system that can be applied to diverse industries, providing a flexible and efficient solution for various applications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the core technology to entirely different industries, demonstrating an inventive step beyond the original patent. The modular assembly system's versatility and adaptability to diverse industries constitute a significant advancement over the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include modified rail systems, customized connector assemblies, and specialized components for specific industries. Variations may also involve integrating sensors, automation, or other technologies to enhance the assembly process.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular assembly system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, data storage, healthcare, retail, and logistics. The system's flexibility, efficiency, and reconfigurability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to optimize their operations and reduce costs.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Modular attachment systems for industrial and commercial equipment, focusing on mechanical coupling mechanisms with pivoting lever-based connectors

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in modular design, fastening technologies, and adaptable connection systems, capable of translating core mechanical principles across different industrial applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental modularity of the source patent's connector assembly as a generalizable design principle applicable across multiple industries. The lever-based attachment mechanism represents a transferable technical solution that can be readily adapted to different structural requirements with predictable results. The core mechanical functionality of securing components via a pivoting lever remains consistent regardless of the specific industry or application context.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Pivotable lever mechanism for securing a connector assembly to a rail system

PTD Variation

Applying the lever mechanism to greenhouse panel attachment, data center server rack mounting, hospital bed accessories, retail shelving, and warehouse storage systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of translating a mechanical coupling principle across different technical domains with predictable structural attachment results

Source Patent Element

First protrusion held in fixed orientation relative to connector assembly

PTD Variation

Implementing fixed protrusion design in modular systems for different load-bearing and alignment requirements

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable design adaptation demonstrating interchangeability of mechanical connection principles across varied load-bearing contexts

Source Patent Element

Connector assembly with sliding and locking capabilities relative to a rail system

PTD Variation

Extending sliding and locking mechanism to support diverse structural configurations in different industrial environments

Obviousness Reasoning

Finite set of known mechanical solutions for adjustable component attachment, representing standard engineering design approach

Source Patent Element

Housing with surface rotatable relative to rail system

PTD Variation

Implementing rotatable surface design in modular systems requiring angular adjustment or flexible positioning

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious mechanical adaptation demonstrating standard engineering problem-solving approach to component positioning

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857068's disclosure of a toolless attachment assembly, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed modular connection systems obvious through straightforward technical translation of core mechanical principles. The lever-based connector mechanism represents a predictable design solution readily adaptable across multiple industrial contexts, thereby rendering subsequent claims involving similar attachment methodologies unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,068
Title	Toolless attachment assembly
Assignee(s)	Poppin, Inc.