Adaptive Circular Fixator Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a family of circular fixator systems tailored to address specific challenges in high-altitude, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-security, and space exploration settings, providing enhanced precision, stability, and adaptability in these unique environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original circular fixator system patent, while effective in general orthopedic applications, falls short in addressing the distinct demands of specialized markets. For instance, high-altitude environments pose unique challenges to joint stabilization, while disaster relief scenarios require portable and waterproof solutions. The present inventive concept adapts the circular fixator system to overcome these limitations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe circular fixator systems with features such as enhanced precision resection guide cartridge holders, weather-resistant coatings, heating or cooling elements, encryption and biometric authentication, and microgravity adaptations. These systems are designed to operate effectively in environments with low oxygen, extreme temperatures, high-security requirements, or microgravity conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the circular fixator system to specific niche environments, introducing features that address the unique challenges of these settings. The inventive step resides in the integration of these features with the original circular fixator system, resulting in a family of systems that provide enhanced performance and reliability in specialized markets.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include circular fixator systems for other specialized environments, such as underwater or high-radiation settings. Variations may also involve the use of different materials, coatings, or authentication protocols to further tailor the system to specific market needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive circular fixator systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including orthopedic device manufacturing, disaster relief organizations, space exploration agencies, and high-security facilities. The systems' ability to address specific challenges in these markets positions them for adoption and widespread use.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/1775 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1642 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1682 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/6425 |
| A | A61 | A61G13/125 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/157 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1659 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/171 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1739 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/034 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4202 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4606 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4205 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4207 |
| A | A61 | A61G13/129 |
| A | A61 | A61G13/1295 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices and methods, specifically focusing on ankle joint stabilization systems, circular fixators, and surgical intervention techniques for joint reconstruction
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in medical device design, biomechanical engineering, and advanced surgical instrumentation, possessing knowledge of materials science, mechanical design, and surgical procedural requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's circular fixator system by applying known design adaptation techniques to address specific environmental challenges. The core mechanical principles of the ankle joint stabilization system remain fundamentally unchanged, with modifications representing routine engineering adaptations to specialized use cases. The PTD's variations demonstrate standard design evolution strategies commonly employed in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,207 |
|---|---|
| Title | Circular fixator system and method |
| Assignee(s) | WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC. |