Ultrasonic Sensing Technology for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857226_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Ultrasonic Sensing Technology for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857226_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857226_0007_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

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of ultrasonic detection to address various unmet needs in industries beyond medical devices, including agriculture, energy management, athletics, industrial maintenance, and environmental monitoring.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed systems and methods for ultrasonic detection of device distraction in medical devices. However, the patent's scope was limited to medical applications. This inventive concept addresses the problem of underutilization of ultrasonic sensing technology by applying it to novel use cases, thereby expanding its potential impact.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The newly generated claims describe systems and methods for monitoring and controlling agricultural irrigation, optimizing energy consumption, tracking athletic performance, detecting corrosion in industrial pipelines, and monitoring water quality in aquatic ecosystems. These applications utilize ultrasonic sensing technology to detect changes in soil moisture, occupancy levels, muscle fatigue, pipe thickness, and water chemistry, respectively. The inventive concept involves integrating ultrasonic sensors with communication modules, controllers, and data analytics tools to provide actionable insights and enable real-time decision-making.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a non-obvious and novel application of ultrasonic sensing technology to diverse industries, departing from the original patent's medical focus. The inventive step lies in recognizing the versatility of ultrasonic detection and adapting it to address specific pain points in various fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of ultrasonic sensors, such as piezoelectric or capacitive sensors, or integrating the technology with other sensing modalities, like cameras or accelerometers. Variations could also involve applying the technology to other industries, such as transportation or construction.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including precision agriculture, smart buildings, sports technology, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring. The market for ultrasonic sensing technology is expected to grow substantially as industries increasingly adopt IoT and automation solutions.

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 biomechanical sensing and monitoring technologies with a focus on ultrasonic detection systems for skeletal and physiological interventions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in sensor integration, mechanical design, and signal processing technologies, capable of adapting sensing principles across different technical domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental ultrasonic detection principles disclosed in the source patent can be readily extended to diverse monitoring applications by substituting the specific sensing context while maintaining core technological mechanisms. The core technological insight of detecting physical changes through ultrasonic sensing is universally applicable across multiple domains. The PTD demonstrates that the sensing methodology is transferable and adaptable to different technical challenges with predictable results.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Ultrasonic detection system for monitoring skeletal device interactions
PTD Variation
Agricultural irrigation monitoring using ultrasonic soil moisture sensing
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting the sensing target while maintaining identical signal processing and detection principles represents a known technique with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Dynamic seal configuration to prevent bodily fluid intrusion
PTD Variation
Sealed sensor systems for industrial pipeline monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting environmental sealing techniques from medical devices to industrial sensing represents a straightforward design transfer with minimal inventive complexity
Source Patent Element
Monolithic member with integrated housing for precise mechanical interactions
PTD Variation
Integrated sensor housing for athletic performance tracking devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Translating mechanical integration principles across domains is a standard engineering design approach with predictable implementation strategies
Source Patent Element
Rotational locking mechanisms for precise positional control
PTD Variation
Sensor positioning and calibration systems for water quality monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Mechanical control principles are universally applicable across technical domains with minimal inventive modification
Source Patent Element
Ultrasonic detection for tracking device movement and positioning
PTD Variation
Occupancy and energy management sensing in commercial environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Repurposing movement detection principles represents a known technique with predictable signal processing adaptations
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent straightforward technological adaptations of the core sensing principles originally disclosed in US Patent 11857226, with no inventive step beyond standard engineering design practices.

Original Patent Information

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