Matrix Shuttle Delivery Technology for Enhanced Agricultural, Environmental, and Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of matrix shuttle delivery devices to address pressing challenges in agriculture, environmental remediation, and industrial processes, enabling precise, targeted, and efficient delivery of beneficial agents and materials.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed methods and devices for repairing cartilage defects, but its limitations in terms of scope and applicability led to the exploration of new use cases. The inventive concept tackles the lack of efficient and targeted delivery mechanisms in various industries, where the precise release of microorganisms, remediation agents, fertilizers, control agents, or oil recovery agents is crucial.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The matrix shuttle delivery technology is adapted to accommodate diverse applications, including agricultural crop yield enhancement, environmental remediation, precision fertilization, invasive species control, and enhanced oil recovery. The device is designed to navigate through complex structures, minimize disturbance, and optimize agent delivery. The new claims encompass various embodiments, such as customized fertilizer blends, species-specific control agents, and microorganism-based oil recovery agents.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the matrix shuttle delivery technology to entirely new industries and use cases, overcoming the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step resides in the adaptation of the device's design and operation to address specific challenges in these new domains.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifications to the device's shape, size, and material composition to accommodate different environments and agent types. Variations could also involve integrating sensors, monitoring systems, or autonomous navigation capabilities to further enhance the device's performance and efficiency.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors, offering solutions for sustainable crop management, pollution remediation, and resource optimization. Target industries include agricultural technology, environmental consulting, oil and gas, and industrial process optimization.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B10/02 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/3468 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and biotechnology, focusing on precision delivery systems for biological materials, with expertise in mechanical design, material science, and targeted deployment technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, experience in mechanical design of minimally invasive delivery systems, understanding of material properties, and knowledge of cross-industry technology adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental matrix shuttle delivery device's core principles of precise, controlled material transfer can be readily adapted across multiple domains by modifying material composition, deployment parameters, and target environment. The source patent's core mechanical design provides a versatile platform that can be systematically modified for different applications through routine engineering optimization. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original technology by applying known design principles to solve analogous technical challenges in different fields.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,170 |
|---|---|
| Title | Methods and devices for repairing cartilage defects |
| Assignee(s) | Vericel Corporation |