Adaptive Suturing Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept extends the core technology of the original surgical suturing instrument to novel applications, including securing livestock fencing, repairing torn pages, closing open bags of chips, repairing damaged fishing nets, and securing cables, thereby expanding its utility and value.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical suturing instrument revolutionized the field of surgery by enabling efficient and precise suturing. However, its application was limited to the medical field. The present inventive concept addresses the need for a versatile suturing technology that can be adapted to various industries and use cases, thereby providing a solution for diverse applications where efficient and reliable fastening is required.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive suturing technology leverages the core components of the original surgical suturing instrument, including the grasping mechanism, jaws, and couplers. However, it introduces new materials, designs, and configurations to accommodate the specific requirements of each target application. For instance, the system for securing livestock fencing employs fencing materials-compatible sutures, while the device for closing open bags of chips utilizes flexible packaging materials-compatible sutures. The method for repairing torn pages in a book incorporates a specialized suture channel for precise application. Similarly, the system for repairing damaged fishing nets and the method for securing cables integrate netting materials-compatible and cable-compatible sutures, respectively.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of the original surgical suturing instrument's core technology, expanding its scope to diverse industries and use cases. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the technology to accommodate the specific requirements of each target application, thereby providing a novel and non-obvious solution for efficient and reliable fastening.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the adaptive suturing technology could include handheld devices, automated systems, or even robotic implementations. Variations of the technology could incorporate different materials, such as biodegradable or smart materials, to further enhance its versatility and value.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive suturing technology has vast commercial potential, with target markets including agriculture, publishing, food packaging, fishing, and telecommunications. The technology's ability to efficiently and reliably fasten diverse materials will revolutionize various industries, providing a competitive edge to companies that adopt it.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0483 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0467 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical and medical device technologies, specifically focusing on precision suturing instruments and mechanical fastening systems with emphasis on adaptable grasping and coupling mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, materials engineering, and surgical instrumentation, possessing knowledge of mechanical coupling systems, material compatibility, and cross-industry technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core suturing mechanism's fundamental design principles can be readily translated across diverse applications by modifying material interfaces and coupling strategies. The source patent's core technological elements - grasping mechanisms, jaws, couplers, and strand management - represent a versatile platform that can be systematically adapted to different material contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original surgical instrument's core technological framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,178 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical suturing instrument |