Adaptable Fixation Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop adaptable fixation systems applicable to various industries, including pipeline securing, wind turbine blade anchoring, solar panel installation, ship docking, and telecommunications cable management.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed tissue repair and coupling soft tissue to bone, but its core technology has broader implications. The new inventive concept tackles the limitations of traditional fixation methods in diverse industries, providing a flexible, malleable, and braided body for securing various types of structures and objects.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe adaptable fixation systems comprising a flexible fixation member with a longitudinal extent and width, defining multiple openings formed crosswise through the width. A flexible stabilizer, such as a pipeline stabilizer, blade stabilizer, solar panel stabilizer, or cable stabilizer, is interwoven through the fixation member, securing the structure or object in place. The fixation member's malleable braided body allows for easy customization and adaptability to various industry-specific requirements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the original patent's core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, demonstrating a non-obvious and novel approach to fixation systems. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the original technology and creatively adapting it to address diverse industrial challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the material composition, size, and shape of the fixation member and stabilizer to suit specific industry needs. Variations may also involve integrating sensors, monitoring systems, or smart materials to enhance the fixation system's performance and functionality.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable fixation systems have significant commercial potential in industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, construction, maritime, and telecommunications. The market demand for reliable, customizable, and efficient fixation solutions is substantial, and this inventive concept is poised to capture a significant share of that market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0401 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0057 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0469 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0482 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0487 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/06166 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00663 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/042 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0409 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0414 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0459 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0464 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and soft tissue repair technologies, with expertise in biomechanical fixation systems, surgical anchoring techniques, and flexible material design for tissue and structural connections
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degree, understanding of material science, surgical biomechanics, and experience designing flexible fixation systems with multiple attachment configurations
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental structural similarity between the source patent's flexible fixation member and the PTD's adaptable fixation systems. The core technological principle of creating a malleable, multi-opening body for securing objects remains consistent across different industrial applications. The variations represent predictable extensions of the original tissue repair technology to alternative domains using well-understood engineering adaptation strategies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,176 |
|---|---|
| Title | Tissue repair |
| Assignee(s) | Smith & Nephew, Inc. |