Multidisciplinary Stapling Technology Platform
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile stapling device adapted for various industries beyond surgical applications, including agricultural crop health monitoring, energy harvesting, infrastructure repair, water quality monitoring, and tissue engineering.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical stapling device with a shipping cap, as described in the parent patent, was limited to medical applications. However, the core technology's potential for adaptation to other fields was not fully explored. This inventive concept addresses the need for a multidisciplinary stapling technology platform that can be applied to diverse industries, solving the problem of limited scope and versatility in the original patent.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept consists of a modular stapling device that can be adapted for various industries by modifying the end effector and attachment mechanisms. For instance, in agricultural crop health monitoring, the stapling device can be used to attach sensors to plants, enabling real-time monitoring and data analysis. In energy harvesting, the device can be used to attach photovoltaic cells to a substrate, optimizing panel configurations for maximum energy output. Similarly, in infrastructure repair, the stapling device can be used to attach reinforcing materials to concrete, and in water quality monitoring, to attach water sensors to pipes. The device's versatility is further demonstrated in tissue engineering, where it can be used to create customizable, three-dimensional tissue models by attaching tissue layers to a scaffold.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of stapling technology, moving beyond medical uses to address unmet needs in diverse industries. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential for adaptation and modification of the core technology to create a multidisciplinary platform, which is non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different attachment mechanisms, such as adhesives or magnetic connections, or variations in the end effector design to accommodate specific industry requirements. Additionally, the stapling device could be integrated with other technologies, such as robotics or artificial intelligence, to enhance its capabilities and versatility.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The multidisciplinary stapling technology platform has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, water management, and biomedical research. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions for monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing their respective systems and processes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/038 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical and precision attachment technologies, specifically focusing on mechanical stapling and attachment devices across medical, industrial, and research domains. Expertise requires understanding of mechanical design, precision engineering, attachment mechanisms, and interdisciplinary device adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering or biomedical design background, capable of understanding mechanical coupling systems, recognizing cross-industry technology transfer principles, and applying modular design concepts to solve complex attachment challenges
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between the source patent's surgical stapling device and the proposed multidisciplinary stapling platform as fundamentally rooted in precise mechanical attachment principles. The core technological elements - an elongate body, end effector, and modular attachment mechanism - are readily adaptable across different domains by modifying the specific use case and end effector configuration. The PTD represents a predictable extension of existing stapling technology into alternative application spaces through routine engineering design modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,185 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapling device with shipping cap |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |