Orthopedic Locking Screw for Diverse Industrial Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857227_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Orthopedic Locking Screw for Diverse Industrial Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857227_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857227_0002_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. 11,857,227.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept applies the core technology of the original orthopedic locking screw to new industries, including wind energy, aerospace, solar energy, cycling, and construction, providing innovative solutions for securing components in these fields.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's orthopedic locking screw is limited to orthopedic procedures. However, the need for reliable and efficient fastening systems exists in various industries. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to secure components in diverse industrial applications, solving the problem of inadequate fastening solutions in these fields.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept utilizes the same core principles of the original orthopedic locking screw, including the shaft, casing, and drive member. However, the inventive concept is adapted to accommodate various industrial applications. For instance, in wind energy, the locking screw secures wind turbine blades to the hub, ensuring efficient energy generation. In aerospace, the locking screw is used to assemble spacecraft panels, providing a reliable and efficient fastening solution. Similarly, in solar energy, the locking screw secures solar panels to roofs, while in cycling, it secures bicycle frames to wheels. In construction, the locking screw is used to secure beams to piers, enabling the efficient construction of bridges.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application to diverse industrial applications, which was not originally considered in the orthopedic locking screw patent. The inventive step involves adapting the core technology to accommodate the unique requirements of each industry, resulting in innovative solutions that address specific fastening challenges.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the shaft's cross-sectional profile, thread pitch, or material to suit specific industrial applications. Additionally, the drive member could be modified to accommodate different drive tools or methods. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse industrial requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including wind energy, aerospace, solar energy, cycling, and construction. The market demand for innovative fastening solutions in these fields is substantial, and the inventive concept's adaptability and reliability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their products and manufacturing processes.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/725
A A61 A61B17/8042
A A61 A61B17/863
A A61 A61B17/866
A A61 A61B17/8635
A A61 A61B17/8685
A A61 A61B17/686
A A61 A61B17/8057
A A61 A61B2017/8655

Field of Art

Orthopedic and industrial fastening systems, with expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and precision joining technologies across medical, aerospace, energy, and structural applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with advanced degree and 5-7 years experience in fastener design, familiar with material properties, mechanical stress transfer, and cross-industry adaptation of joining technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental screw design principles from the orthopedic locking screw patent are universally applicable across diverse industrial contexts. The core mechanical functionality of shaft engagement, load transfer, and secure retention remains consistent regardless of specific application domain. Modifying thread geometry, cross-sectional profile, and material composition represents standard engineering design adaptation well within ordinary skill capabilities.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Orthopedic implant bore with internal surface feature for screw retention
PTD Variation
Adapting bore engagement mechanism for wind turbine blade hub connection
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable mechanical transfer of load retention principle across structural joining scenarios, representing a known technique of design translation
Source Patent Element
Threaded or unthreaded bolt configuration with deformable thread material
PTD Variation
Variable thread pitch and cross-sectional geometry for aerospace panel assembly
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine materials engineering optimization using known plastically deformable thread technologies to accommodate different structural requirements
Source Patent Element
Shaft with drive member for precise angular insertion
PTD Variation
Non-circular shaft cross-sections for specialized industrial fastening applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite design solution set for improving torque transfer and preventing rotational slippage, representing standard mechanical engineering problem-solving
Source Patent Element
Locking screw configured to secure through multiple material interfaces
PTD Variation
Adapting screw for solar panel, bicycle, and construction applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Systematic technology transfer demonstrating predictable mechanical performance across structurally similar joining scenarios
Source Patent Element
Internal surface feature for screw retention and advancement
PTD Variation
Modified drive member configurations for different industrial tool interfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design variation representing standard engineering practice of creating interchangeable mechanical interfaces
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857227's comprehensive orthopedic locking screw disclosure, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the present publication's industrial application variations obvious and non-patentable. The systematic translation of core mechanical fastening principles across diverse structural domains represents routine engineering design adaptation without demonstrating sufficient inventive step to overcome standard obviousness analysis under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,227
TitleOrthopedic locking screw for an orthopedic fastening system
Assignee(s)Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC