Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Modular Screw Head Assemblies for Non-Orthopedic Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857222_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Screw Head Assemblies for Non-Orthopedic Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857222_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857222_0007_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. 11,857,222.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept applies the core technology of modular screw head assemblies to non-orthopedic industries, enabling secure and efficient fastening in various fields such as renewable energy, telecommunications, and geothermal exploration.

Background and Problem Solved

While the original patent addressed the need for improved orthopedic fixation devices, this inventive concept recognizes the potential of modular screw head assemblies to solve fastening challenges in other industries. The new claims overcome the limitations of traditional fastening systems in these fields, offering enhanced reliability, ease of use, and versatility.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept involves adapting the modular screw head assembly design to accommodate various non-orthopedic applications. The tulip head and bone fastener components are modified to securely attach solar panels to roofs, wind turbine blades to hubs, satellite dishes to buildings, communication antennas to towers, and geothermal well casings to surrounding soil. The assemblies ensure stable and efficient fastening, reducing installation time and costs while enhancing overall system performance.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a non-obvious and innovative application of modular screw head assemblies to diverse industries, departing from the original patent's orthopedic focus. The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to adapt the core technology to address specific fastening challenges in these new fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modified tulip head designs for specific industries, adjustable bone fasteners for varying substrate types, or integrated sensors for real-time monitoring of fastening integrity. Variations may also involve using different materials or coatings to enhance corrosion resistance or durability in harsh environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, telecommunications, geothermal exploration, and construction. The market for modular screw head assemblies in these fields is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and direct sales.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/7032
A A61 A61B17/7037
A A61 A61B17/7082
A A61 A61B2017/681

Field of Art

Mechanical fastener systems, specifically modular attachment assemblies with a focus on structural joining techniques across medical, industrial, and renewable energy applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and fastener technologies, capable of adapting core mechanical principles across different technical domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental modular design principles of the source patent's screw head assembly are readily transferable to alternative industrial applications. The core mechanical functionality of secure, adjustable attachment remains consistent across different substrates and industries. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that leverage the existing modular assembly's core mechanical principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Tulip head with two arms defining a rod slot and a bore for receiving a saddle
PTD Variation
Adapting tulip head design to receive solar panel mounting rails or satellite dish attachment points
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design extension applying known mechanical attachment principles to alternative substrates with minimal structural modification
Source Patent Element
Bone fastener with modular components for secure attachment
PTD Variation
Repurposing fastener design for wind turbine blade, communication antenna, and geothermal well casing installations
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of translating mechanical fastening principles across different technical domains with functionally equivalent requirements
Source Patent Element
Shear clip mechanism with multiple states of mechanical deformation
PTD Variation
Applying similar mechanical state-change principles to industrial fastener systems with load-bearing and release requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of known mechanical solutions for creating adjustable, load-responsive fastening mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Modular assembly with interchangeable components
PTD Variation
Developing industry-specific variations of tulip head and fastener designs with adapted materials and geometries
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice to optimize fastener performance for specific environmental and load conditions using known engineering adaptation techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857222's disclosure of modular screw head assemblies, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find obvious the extension of orthopedic fastener design principles to alternative industrial attachment applications, rendering obvious any claims attempting to monopolize such predictable technical variations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,222
TitleModular screw head assemblies
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.