Modular Screw Head Assemblies for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A modular screw head assembly designed for high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and underwater spinal fixation applications, providing enhanced stability, ease of use, and adaptability in unique operational environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original modular screw head assembly patent addresses general orthopedic fixation needs, but it lacks specific features and designs for specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for high-risk patient populations, emergency situations, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and underwater spinal surgery.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a modular screw head assembly with a tulip head designed for high-strength, high-torque applications, rapid deployment, and ease of use in emergency situations. The assembly features a locking cap for securing the spinal rod and is adaptable for use in extreme temperatures, humidity, and corrosive environments. In high-altitude environments, the system is designed to operate at low oxygen levels. For underwater spinal surgery, the tulip head is designed to withstand high water pressure and corrosive saltwater environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features and designs that are non-obvious and not anticipated by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the modular screw head assembly for specialized environments, providing a unique combination of stability, ease of use, and adaptability.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the tulip head design, material selection, and locking mechanisms to accommodate different operational environments. For example, the tulip head could be designed with enhanced corrosion resistance for use in coastal or high-humidity areas.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in niche markets such as high-security spinal fixation, disaster relief, and extreme weather applications. The target industries include orthopedic device manufacturers, medical suppliers, and healthcare providers operating in specialized environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/7032 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7037 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7082 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/681 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically spinal fixation systems involving modular bone fastener assemblies with tulip head configurations for surgical stabilization
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, materials engineering, and surgical instrumentation, possessing knowledge of modular medical device architectures and environmental adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental modular screw head assembly design provides a flexible technological platform that can be readily adapted to specialized environmental conditions through predictable material and structural modifications. The core mechanical principles of the original tulip head assembly remain consistent across the PTD's variations, with environmental adaptations representing straightforward engineering design choices. The PTD's claimed variations represent logical extensions of the source patent's core technological concept, achievable through standard engineering problem-solving techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,222 |
|---|---|
| Title | Modular screw head assemblies |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |