Adaptive Orthopedic Locking Screws for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts orthopedic locking screws for specific, high-demand environments, enhancing security, durability, and reliability in extreme conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed orthopedic locking screws for general orthopedic procedures. However, these screws may not be suitable for high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, or remote locations. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations of orthopedic locking screws.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises orthopedic locking screws with unique features tailored to specific environments. For high-security needs, the screw has a tamper-evident feature to indicate unauthorized access. In disaster relief scenarios, the screw has a reinforced structure to withstand extreme environmental conditions. For extreme weather conditions, the screw has a corrosion-resistant coating to protect against environmental degradation. In remote or isolated locations, the screw has a self-lubricating feature to reduce friction. Finally, for high-altitude environments, the screw has a low-temperature resistant material to maintain structural integrity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that adapt the orthopedic locking screws to specific environments, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of these features with the original patent's disclosure.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include orthopedic locking screws with adjustable tamper-evident features, modular reinforced structures, or adaptive corrosion-resistant coatings. Variations could also include screws with integrated sensors for monitoring environmental conditions or screws with enhanced biocompatibility for specific patient populations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in niche markets such as high-security facilities, disaster relief organizations, and extreme environment expeditions. The target industries include orthopedic implant manufacturers, medical device companies, and specialized healthcare providers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,227 |
|---|---|
| Title | Orthopedic locking screw for an orthopedic fastening system |
| Assignee(s) | Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC |