Adaptive Circular Fixator Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857207_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Circular Fixator Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857207_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857207_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,207.

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

SectionClassGroup
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

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

Source Patent Element
Foot holder with rotation base plate and locking pin mechanism for ankle joint stabilization
PTD Variation
Adaptation of circular fixator for high-altitude, low-oxygen environments with enhanced precision resection guide cartridge holder
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying device performance parameters for specific environmental conditions represents a predictable design variation within a PHOSITA's standard problem-solving approach
Source Patent Element
Cartridge holder with movable tabs for attaching surgical guides
PTD Variation
Integration of encryption and biometric authentication into cartridge holder design for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security features to medical devices is a known technique for expanding device functionality and market applicability, representing an obvious design choice
Source Patent Element
Surgical fixation method for ankle joint stabilization
PTD Variation
Microgravity-adapted circular fixator system integrated with space suit monitoring capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical devices for extreme environments follows established engineering design principles of modular system modification and represents a finite set of predictable solution approaches
Source Patent Element
Ankle joint reconstruction apparatus with rotation capabilities
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant circular fixator with integrated heating/cooling elements for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating environmental protection and temperature regulation represents a standard engineering approach to expanding device utility across diverse use scenarios
Source Patent Element
Surgical positioning and stabilization method for ankle joint
PTD Variation
Portable, waterproof circular fixator system for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying medical devices for enhanced portability and environmental resilience constitutes a routine design optimization within the technical field
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857207 and the disclosed variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious through standard design adaptation techniques. The published technical disclosure demonstrates that the proposed circular fixator system modifications represent predictable engineering extensions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight beyond the existing prior art.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,207
TitleCircular fixator system and method
Assignee(s)WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.