Systems and Methods for Ultrasonic Detection of Device Distraction in Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857226_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Systems and Methods for Ultrasonic Detection of Device Distraction in Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857226_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857226_0004_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. 11,857,226.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel adaptation of ultrasonic detection systems for device distraction, tailored to meet the unique demands of high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and underwater environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed systems and methods for ultrasonic detection of device distraction in general medical settings. However, these systems were not designed to address the specific challenges and constraints of specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and underwater environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a series of specialized variations of the original ultrasonic detection system, each adapted to meet the unique demands of a specific environment. For example, the system for high-security environments features a tamper-resistant distraction rod and an ultrasonic sensor designed to detect unauthorized manipulation. The method for disaster relief situations provides a portable distraction device with an integrated ultrasonic sensor, enabling healthcare professionals to detect device distraction during emergency procedures. The spinal distraction device for extreme weather conditions features a weather-resistant coating on the distraction rod and monolithic member, as well as an ultrasonic sensor capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original ultrasonic detection system, tailored to meet the specific demands of specialized environments. The inventive step lies in the application of the original concept to these unique contexts, resulting in systems and methods that provide enhanced functionality, security, and reliability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adaptations for other specialized environments, such as space exploration or search and rescue operations. Variations of the system could also be developed for specific medical applications, such as orthopedic or neurological procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of orthopedic and neurological surgery. The specialized variations of the ultrasonic detection system could be marketed to healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers operating in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and underwater environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/7216
A A61 A61B17/68
A A61 A61B17/7016
A A61 A61B90/06
A A61 A61B17/702
A A61 A61B17/7008
A A61 A61B17/7068
A A61 A61B2017/681
A A61 A61B2090/061
A A61 A61B2090/3925
A A61 A61B2090/3929
Y Y10 Y10T29/49963
Y Y10 Y10T29/49966

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically orthopedic surgical technologies involving distraction osteogenesis, ultrasonic sensing, and mechanical adaptation of medical devices across extreme environmental conditions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in orthopedic surgical devices, mechanical design, sensor integration, materials engineering, and experience adapting medical technologies for specialized environments

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's ultrasonic distraction device provides a fundamental framework that can be systematically adapted to different environmental contexts by applying standard engineering techniques of material modification, sensor calibration, and protective coating strategies. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original device's core mechanical and sensing principles, utilizing well-established design methodologies for environmental adaptation. The technical solutions proposed are consistent with standard engineering problem-solving approaches in medical device design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Monolithic member with housing for distraction rod and ultrasonic sensing capabilities
PTD Variation
Specialized coating and sensor calibration for extreme temperature and pressure environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying sensor operating parameters and protective coatings is a routine engineering design choice for extending device functionality across environmental conditions
Source Patent Element
Dynamic seal to inhibit bodily fluid intrusion
PTD Variation
Waterproof and tamper-resistant design for underwater and high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending sealing technologies to prevent environmental contamination is a predictable solution using known materials engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Rotational locking mechanism for distraction rod
PTD Variation
Anti-tampering mechanisms for high-security medical device applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing additional mechanical constraints to prevent unauthorized manipulation is an obvious design enhancement using standard mechanical engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Ultrasonic detection system for tracking device movement
PTD Variation
Integrated sensor systems for emergency and portable medical intervention scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting sensor technologies for portable and emergency use represents a predictable application of existing sensing methodologies
Source Patent Element
Distraction device for skeletal system manipulation
PTD Variation
Environment-specific adaptations for high-altitude, disaster relief, and specialized medical procedures
Obviousness Reasoning
Tailoring medical devices to specific operational contexts is a standard engineering approach involving incremental design modifications
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857226, the disclosed variations in the published technical disclosure represent obvious extensions of the original ultrasonic distraction device technology. A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize these environmental and functional adaptations as predictable design modifications achievable through routine engineering problem-solving, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,226
TitleSystems and methods for ultrasonic detection of device distraction
Assignee(s)NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.