Specialized Suturing Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A family of suturing systems tailored for high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, sterile, and space exploration applications, offering enhanced security, durability, and reliability in unique operational environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for suturing along a path and an apparatus thereof, but it lacked adaptations for specific, demanding environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized variations that cater to the distinct requirements of various niche markets.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises four specialized suturing systems, each designed for a specific niche environment. The high-security system features a secure suture-taking-up mechanism with enhanced encryption, a spiral suturing needle with tamper-evident coating, and a driving mechanism with redundant backup power source. The disaster relief system includes a portable suturing apparatus with a compact, waterproof design, and a spiral suturing needle with enhanced durability to suture through debris-covered materials. The extreme weather system features a weather-resistant housing with thermal insulation, a spiral suturing needle with ice-repellent coating, and a driving mechanism with cold-weather lubrication. The sterile environment system incorporates a sterile suture-taking-up mechanism with UV-C sterilization, a spiral suturing needle with antimicrobial coating, and a driving mechanism with sterilizable components. The space exploration system utilizes a microgravity-compatible suturing apparatus with a spiral suturing needle and a driving mechanism adapted for low-gravity environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations for specific niche environments, which are non-obvious compared to the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of specialized components and designs that address the unique challenges of each environment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other possible embodiments of the inventive concept could include adaptations for other niche environments, such as suturing systems for underwater operations, high-altitude environments, or contaminated zones. Additionally, the systems could be integrated with other medical devices or robotic systems to enhance their functionality.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster response, aerospace, and defense. The specialized suturing systems can provide unique value propositions for customers operating in niche environments, offering enhanced security, reliability, and performance in demanding situations.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0469 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0491 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00367 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/047 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0475 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0479 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0496 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0498 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/06076 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/075 |
| A | A61 | A61F2240/001 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,177 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for suturing along path and apparatus thereof |
| Assignee(s) | Jiangnan University |