Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Smart Modular Screw Head Assembly System

Publication ID: 24-11857222_0008_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Smart Modular Screw Head Assembly System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857222_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857222_0008_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

A modular screw head assembly system integrating sensors, communication modules, AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to enhance spinal fixation stability, predict potential fixation failures, and enable secure, personalized, and real-time monitoring of patient data.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, Modular screw head assemblies, provides a solution for orthopedic fixation devices in spine surgery. However, it lacks real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities, which can lead to fixation failures and compromise patient safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced technologies to create a more powerful and connected system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The Smart Modular Screw Head Assembly System comprises a tulip head with integrated sensors for monitoring bone fastener stability and motion. The system also includes a communication module for transmitting stability data to a remote monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking and analysis of patient data. Additionally, the system incorporates AI and machine learning algorithms to predict potential fixation failures and optimize fixation configurations. The system can also utilize blockchain technology for secure recording of patient data and fixation outcomes, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Furthermore, the system can integrate with cloud-based platforms and 3D printing modules to enable personalized spine surgery and customized tulip head fabrication.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the novel combination of sensors, communication modules, AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, which are not present in the original patent. The integration of these advanced technologies enables real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and secure data storage, providing a significant inventive step over the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the Smart Modular Screw Head Assembly System could include variations in sensor types, communication protocols, AI algorithms, and blockchain implementations. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other orthopedic applications, such as joint replacements or trauma fixation.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Smart Modular Screw Head Assembly System has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in spine surgery. The system's ability to enhance fixation stability, predict potential failures, and enable secure, personalized, and real-time monitoring of patient data addresses a critical need in the market. The system could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and orthopedic device manufacturers, with potential applications in personalized medicine, remote patient monitoring, and data-driven healthcare.

CPC Classifications

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

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically spinal fixation systems, involving biomechanical engineering, medical device design, and sensor integration for surgical implants

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in orthopedic implant technologies, familiar with sensor integration, wireless communication, and advanced medical monitoring systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating modern sensor and communication technologies into existing orthopedic fixation devices represents a predictable extension of current medical device development. The source patent's modular screw head assembly provides a natural platform for incorporating advanced monitoring capabilities. The technical elements required for sensor integration and data transmission are well-established in medical device engineering and would be considered routine design modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Tulip head with bore and rod slot for spinal fixation
PTD Variation
Adding integrated sensors to monitor bone fastener stability and motion
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor integration into medical implants is a known technique for enhancing diagnostic capabilities, representing a predictable application of existing sensor technologies
Source Patent Element
Modular screw head assembly design
PTD Variation
Incorporating communication module for wireless data transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Wireless communication in medical devices is a standard approach for remote monitoring, representing a finite and predictable solution for enhancing device functionality
Source Patent Element
Orthopedic fixation system with mechanical components
PTD Variation
Adding AI and machine learning algorithms for predictive failure analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Application of machine learning to medical device performance monitoring is a known technique for improving diagnostic and preventative capabilities
Source Patent Element
Modular design allowing component interactions
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based secure data storage for patient information
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing secure data management techniques is a standard design choice for medical technologies seeking to enhance patient data protection
Source Patent Element
Tulip head assembly with configurable components
PTD Variation
3D printing module for customized tulip head fabrication
Obviousness Reasoning
Personalized medical device manufacturing through 3D printing is a recognized approach for creating patient-specific implant solutions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857222 and the disclosed technical variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed modifications to orthopedic fixation systems obvious and predictable. The integration of sensors, communication technologies, AI, and blockchain represents a routine extension of existing medical device design principles, thereby rendering potential claims covering such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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