Versatile Locking Screw Technology for Diverse Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857227_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Versatile Locking Screw Technology for Diverse Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857227_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857227_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. 11,857,227.

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

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 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

Source Patent Element
Orthopedic locking screw with shaft extending between first and second ends
PTD Variation
Applying identical shaft configuration to solar panel, wind turbine, marine vessel, communication antenna, and robotic arm fastening applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Transferring a proven mechanical fastening design across industries represents a predictable variation using known technical adaptation techniques
Source Patent Element
Internal surface feature for engaging and retaining screw in bore
PTD Variation
Implementing similar engagement mechanisms in alternative industrial component interfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Mechanical retention strategies are universally applicable across different structural contexts, representing a known and expected design translation
Source Patent Element
Threaded or unthreaded bolt configuration
PTD Variation
Modifying screw geometry to suit specific industrial mounting requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting appropriate fastener geometry based on load, material, and interface represents a standard engineering design optimization process
Source Patent Element
Deformable thread material allowing plastic deformation
PTD Variation
Adapting material properties to enhance fastener performance in different environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection to optimize mechanical performance is a routine engineering design consideration with predictable problem-solving approaches
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857227, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in mechanical fastening technologies would find the disclosed industrial locking screw variations obvious and predictable extensions of existing orthopedic fastening system principles, thereby rendering substantially similar claimed inventions unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103 obviousness standards.

Original Patent Information

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