Versatile Locking Screw Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel, adaptable locking screw technology applicable to various industries beyond orthopedics, providing enhanced security and reliability in diverse applications.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an orthopedic locking screw for securing orthopedic implants to bone. However, this technology has limitations in terms of its restricted application to the orthopedic field. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by exploring novel applications of the core technology in other industries, such as solar panel installation, wind turbine assembly, marine vessel construction, communication antenna mounting, and robotic arm assembly.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a locking screw featuring a shaft extending axially between a first end and a second end, and a drive member disposed at the second end of the shaft. This design enables secure fastening in various industries, including but not limited to solar panels, wind turbines, marine vessels, communication antennas, and robotic arms. The locking screw's adaptability lies in its ability to be operably secured through a bore in a component and into a bore drilled into a corresponding surface, providing a reliable and efficient fastening solution.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application to diverse industries beyond orthopedics, leveraging the core technology's advantages in security and reliability. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the original patent's limitations and the innovative extension of its principles to address unmet needs in other fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the material, shape, or size of the locking screw to accommodate specific industry requirements. Variations could also involve modifying the drive member or incorporating additional features to enhance the screw's functionality.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, aerospace, marine, telecommunications, and robotics. The technology's adaptability and reliability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their fastening systems and enhance overall performance.
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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic and mechanical fastening systems, specifically focusing on locking screw technologies for securing components across medical, industrial, and structural applications. Expertise requires understanding of mechanical design, material properties, and fastening mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or technical professional with expertise in fastener design, materials engineering, and cross-industry component attachment techniques, capable of adapting core technological principles across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the fundamental locking screw mechanism disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable fastening technology with broad applicability beyond orthopedic systems. The core technical elements - a shaft, drive member, and bore-based securing method - are inherently transferable across industries with predictable and expected results. The PTD's variations represent straightforward adaptations of known fastening principles using standard engineering design choices.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
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 |