Adaptable Catheter-Based Contaminant Removal Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to the application of minimally invasive catheter-based embolic capture devices to various industrial and environmental systems, enabling efficient removal of contaminants and blockages, thereby improving system performance and reducing maintenance costs.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Devices and methods for treating blocked blood vessels,' primarily focuses on medical applications. However, the innovative design of the embolic capture device can be leveraged to address similar problems in other industries. Industrial wastewater treatment systems, oil and gas pipelines, agricultural irrigation systems, and HVAC systems often struggle with contaminants and blockages, leading to reduced efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and environmental hazards. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology to these new applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves the deployment of catheter-based emboli removal devices in various industrial and environmental systems. These devices, adapted from the original patent, capture and remove contaminants, debris, and blockages, thereby restoring system performance and reducing maintenance costs. The devices can be designed with varying sizes, materials, and configurations to suit specific system requirements. For instance, in industrial wastewater treatment systems, the device can be adapted to capture and remove contaminants, such as heavy metals or organic pollutants, improving water quality and reducing environmental impact. Similarly, in oil and gas pipelines, the device can detect and remove blockages, ensuring uninterrupted flow and reducing the risk of accidents.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the original patent's embolic capture device to entirely new industries and use cases, demonstrating an inventive step beyond the original patent's medical focus. The new claims provide a distinct and non-obvious solution to the problems faced by these industries, offering a significant improvement over existing methods.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include modifications to the device's shape, size, or material to accommodate specific system requirements. Variations may also involve integrating sensors, cameras, or other diagnostic tools to enhance the device's functionality and provide real-time monitoring capabilities. Additionally, the device could be designed for autonomous or robotic operation, enabling remote deployment and minimizing human intervention.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including industrial wastewater treatment, oil and gas, agriculture, and HVAC. The market for these applications is substantial, with an estimated global value exceeding $10 billion. The inventive concept's ability to improve system performance, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize environmental impact positions it for widespread adoption and significant revenue generation.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/22012 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/221 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/22038 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/22084 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and minimally invasive intervention technologies, focusing on catheter-based systems for capturing and removing obstructions in fluid pathways, with expertise in device design, material selection, and adaptive deployment strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-7 years experience in interventional device development, familiar with catheter mechanics, material science, and cross-domain technology adaptation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the embolic capture device are universally applicable across fluid systems, with the core technological innovation being a flexible, deployable capture mechanism that can be adapted to different environmental contexts. The source patent's core technical elements - specifically the stent body with axial lumen, connecting struts, and ability to capture and remove obstructions - are directly transferable to non-medical industrial applications. The PTD demonstrates a predictable extension of these core mechanical principles by maintaining the essential structural and functional characteristics while changing the deployment context.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,209 |
|---|---|
| Title | Devices and methods for treating blocked blood vessels |
| Assignee(s) | SHANGHAI WALLABY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES CO., INC. |