Subcutaneous Environmental Monitoring Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of subcutaneous delivery tools to develop novel environmental monitoring systems for tracking pollutants, invasive species, water quality, soil health, and underground water sources in various ecosystems.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on subcutaneous delivery tools for medical devices. However, the limitations of these tools in addressing environmental monitoring needs are evident. Current environmental monitoring methods often rely on surface-level or invasive techniques, which can be inaccurate, time-consuming, or destructive to the environment. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by applying the subcutaneous delivery tool technology to environmental monitoring, enabling real-time, in-situ, and non-invasive tracking of environmental parameters.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept encompasses a range of systems and methods for environmental monitoring, including subcutaneous sensor arrays for detecting pollutants in subterranean ecosystems, subcutaneous monitoring devices for tracking invasive species in terrestrial ecosystems, subcutaneous sensors for monitoring water quality in aquatic ecosystems, and subcutaneous sensor arrays for monitoring soil health in agricultural ecosystems. These systems utilize the core technology of subcutaneous delivery tools to enable accurate, real-time, and non-invasive monitoring of environmental parameters. The systems can be adapted for various ecosystems and can provide critical insights for environmental conservation, policy-making, and sustainable development.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of subcutaneous delivery tool technology to environmental monitoring, which is non-obvious and unforeseen in the original patent. The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to adapt the core technology for environmental monitoring, enabling real-time, in-situ, and non-invasive tracking of environmental parameters.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different sensor materials, varying sensor array configurations, and integration with other environmental monitoring technologies. Variations could include adapting the systems for monitoring specific pollutants, developing miniaturized sensors for smaller organisms, or creating wearable devices for real-time environmental monitoring.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the environmental monitoring and conservation industries. The market for environmental monitoring systems is growing, driven by increasing concerns about climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. The new inventive concept could be applied in various industries, including environmental consulting, conservation organizations, government agencies, and research institutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/3468 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/29 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/32093 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320044 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320056 |
| A | A61 | A61N1/3756 |
| A | A61 | A61N1/37205 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device implantation and sensor technologies, with expertise in subcutaneous monitoring systems, biomedical engineering, and environmental sensing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or environmental monitoring specialist with advanced degree, experience in sensor miniaturization, implantable device design, and cross-domain technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between medical subcutaneous monitoring and environmental monitoring technologies, understanding that sensor deployment principles are transferable across domains. The source patent's core technology of subcutaneous implantation provides a direct technological foundation for adapting monitoring principles to environmental contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of existing subcutaneous delivery tool technologies, applying known sensor integration and deployment strategies to new environmental monitoring applications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,218 |
|---|---|
| Title | Subcutaneous delivery tool |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |