Adaptive Drive Device: Multi-Industry Mobility Solution
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a drive device for a moveable furniture part, which had limitations in its application scope. The present invention addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology to tackle distinct challenges in diverse fields, thereby expanding its utility and impact.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of the present invention lies in its ability to adapt the core technology of the original patent to address distinct challenges in various industries. The inventive step is the recognition of the versatility of the drive device and its potential to be applied in diverse contexts, resulting in innovative solutions that were not previously considered.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different materials for the carrier and ejection slide, or incorporating additional features such as sensors or actuators to enhance the functionality of the drive device. Variations of the invention could also involve modifying the ejection device to accommodate different types of moveable components or adjusting the closing direction of the carrier to suit specific industry requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present invention has significant commercial potential across various industries. Autonomous underwater vehicles could benefit from more efficient sampling containers, while wildfire monitoring systems could be enhanced with moveable sensor modules. Medical instrumentation could be improved with sterilization-integrated drive devices, and warehouse inventory management could be optimized with moveable inventory scanning modules. Agricultural sampling tools could also be enhanced with soil analysis-integrated drive devices. The market potential for these innovative solutions is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and product development.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical engineering focusing on movable component drive systems, particularly for furniture, industrial, and specialized equipment interfaces with expertise in mechanical actuation, ejection mechanisms, and precision movement systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in design of precision mechanical systems, familiar with modular design principles, mechanical coupling techniques, and cross-industry adaptation of core mechanical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental drive device architecture from US 11857070 can be readily adapted across diverse application domains by substituting the moveable component while maintaining the core ejection mechanism's structural principles. The source patent's generic carrier and ejection slide design provides a flexible template for translation into different technical contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage the fundamental mechanical principles already established in the original patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,070 |
|---|---|
| Title | Drive device for a moveable furniture part |
| Assignee(s) | JULIUS BLUM GMBH |