Specialized Clavicle Fixation Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to specialized clavicle fixation systems adapted for specific, high-stress operational environments, such as disaster relief, high-security facilities, and remote, austere areas.
Background and Problem Solved
While the original clavicle fixation system has proven effective in standard medical settings, it lacks the necessary features to address the unique challenges of these niche environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing waterproof, ruggedized, tamper-evident, and compact designs that cater to the specific demands of these specialized markets.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises four distinct variations: a disaster relief clavicle fixation system featuring a waterproof coating and ruggedized design; a high-security clavicle fixation system with tamper-evident features and securement mechanisms; a clavicle fixation system for remote, austere environments with a compact, lightweight design and simplified insertion procedure; and a portable power tool with a waterproof compartment for inserting the nail in emergency situations. These specialized systems ensure reliable and efficient clavicle fixation in extreme conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features and adaptations that distinguish the inventive concept from the original patent. The waterproof coating, ruggedized design, tamper-evident features, and compact design are non-obvious and provide a significant improvement over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in material selection, surface treatments, or additional features that enhance the system's performance in specific environments. For example, the high-security system could incorporate biometric authentication or real-time monitoring, while the disaster relief system could include a solar-powered charging unit.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The specialized clavicle fixation systems have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in niche markets such as disaster relief organizations, correctional facilities, and remote medical services. The inventive concept addresses unmet needs in these areas, providing a competitive advantage and opportunities for market expansion.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8061 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8004 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8014 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8057 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically clavicle fixation systems and trauma plate technologies, requiring expertise in medical device design, biomechanical engineering, and surgical intervention techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical implant design, material science, and adaptive medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the specialized clavicle fixation systems represent predictable variations of the source patent's core technology, applying known design adaptation techniques to address specific environmental challenges. The fundamental nail structure remains consistent, with modifications representing standard engineering problem-solving approaches for specialized medical contexts. These variations demonstrate routine application of known design principles to extend the original invention's utility across different operational environments.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,229 |
|---|---|
| Title | Clavicle fixation system |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |