Ultrasonic Sensing Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,226 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for ultrasonic detection of device distraction |
| Assignee(s) | NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. |