Modular Spinal Construct Extension for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct, adapted for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, or space-constrained environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct, as disclosed in the original patent, has limitations in addressing the specific needs of specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for these unique scenarios, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable spinal construct extension.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a modular apparatus with specialized features, such as enhanced tamper-evident features, biometric authentication, quick-release mechanisms, sterilizable surfaces, corrosion-resistant rod connectors, weather-sealed locking elements, pressurized locking elements, reinforced rod connectors, compact designs, telescoping rods, and miniaturized locking elements. These features enable the modular apparatus to operate effectively in high-security environments, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and space-constrained environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features, such as biometric authentication, quick-release mechanisms, and weather-sealed locking elements, which significantly improve the modular apparatus's performance and security in specialized environments. These innovations provide a distinct inventive step beyond the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modular apparatuses with customized materials, geometries, or surface treatments tailored to specific environments. Variations could also involve integrating additional sensors, monitoring systems, or artificial intelligence to enhance the modular apparatus's performance and adaptability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the spinal surgery segment. Target markets include hospitals, medical research institutions, and disaster relief organizations, with potential applications in high-security facilities, extreme weather environments, and space-constrained areas.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/7052 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically spinal construct extension technologies, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomechanical understanding, and medical device design expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in spinal implant design, familiar with modular medical device architectures and surgical adaptation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core modular rod extension concept by applying known design adaptation strategies to specialized environmental contexts. The fundamental mechanical coupling and extension principles remain consistent, with the variations representing routine engineering modifications to address specific use case requirements. These adaptations would be considered straightforward extensions of existing technological capabilities within spinal construct design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,223 |
|---|---|
| Title | Modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct |
| Assignee(s) | SPINE WAVE, INC. |