Modular Set Screw Insertion Instrument for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop a modular set screw insertion instrument for securing components in various industries, including material handling, warehouse storage, wind turbine assembly, solar panel installation, and modular building construction.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's set screw insertion instrument was limited to spinal fixation constructs in spine surgery. However, the need for efficient and reliable component securing exists across multiple industries. The inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to cater to diverse industrial applications, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing installation time, and enhancing overall performance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular set screw insertion instrument comprises a shaft with a distal portion configured to drive a set screw and seat a plurality of set screws stacked against one another on the shaft. The instrument features a handle coupled to the shaft and a sleeve disposed over the shaft, configured to contact a proximal-most set screw stacked. The inventive concept introduces a new level of modularity, allowing the instrument to be adapted for various industrial applications by modifying the shaft, handle, and sleeve configurations. For instance, the instrument can be used to secure shelving units to a warehouse floor, attach solar panels to a rooftop, or assemble building modules to form a complete structure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a non-obvious and novel application of the core technology, shifting from spinal fixation constructs to diverse industrial applications. The inventive concept's modular design and adaptability to various industries constitute a significant departure from the original patent, demonstrating a substantial and innovative contribution to the field.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying shaft lengths, handle materials, and sleeve configurations to accommodate specific industry requirements. Additionally, the instrument could be integrated with robotic systems, automated assembly lines, or IoT-enabled platforms to further enhance efficiency and performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular set screw insertion instrument has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including material handling, warehouse storage, wind turbine assembly, solar panel installation, and modular building construction. The target market includes manufacturers, logistics companies, renewable energy providers, and construction firms seeking to optimize their workflows, reduce installation time, and increase overall efficiency.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/7091 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7035 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7076 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical engineering and surgical/industrial instrumentation, focusing on precision insertion and securing mechanisms for components across medical and industrial applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in precision instrument design, familiar with modular tool systems, mechanical fastening techniques, and adaptable mechanical interfaces across medical and industrial domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core mechanical principles of precise set screw insertion and stacked screw management are fundamentally transferable between medical and industrial contexts. The source patent's detailed mechanical design provides a comprehensive framework that can be readily adapted to alternative applications through predictable design modifications. The PTD demonstrates that the fundamental mechanical constraints and functional requirements for precise component securing are consistent across different technical domains.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,225 |
|---|---|
| Title | Multiple set screw insertion instrument and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Medos International Srl |