Adaptive Sensor Systems for Environmental and Infrastructure Monitoring
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to innovative sensor systems leveraging clavicle fixation technology to monitor and analyze environmental pollution, infrastructure health, agricultural crop health, and landslide activity, enabling data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original clavicle fixation system, designed for trauma plates and intramedullary nails, has limitations in its application to other fields. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology to address critical issues in environmental monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, agriculture, and natural disaster prevention.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises sensor nodes, each incorporating adapted clavicle fixation components, such as intramedullary clavicle nails and anterior fixation plates. These sensors measure parameters like soil moisture, crop growth rates, structural integrity, and pollutant levels. The system analyzes the collected data to detect anomalies, predict potential issues, and provide actionable insights for stakeholders.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying clavicle fixation technology to entirely new industries, including environmental monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, agriculture, and natural disaster prevention. The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to repurpose existing technology to address pressing global challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include integrating the sensor nodes with existing infrastructure, such as smart grids or agricultural drones. Variations could involve using different types of sensors or adapting the system for specific industries, like oil and gas or construction.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including environmental consulting, infrastructure management, precision agriculture, and natural disaster prevention. The target market includes government agencies, private companies, and research institutions seeking innovative solutions for data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance.
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
Medical device engineering, biomechanical sensor systems, and orthopedic fixation technologies with expertise in structural adaptation and interdisciplinary technology transfer
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degrees, understanding of medical device design, sensor integration, and cross-domain technology adaptation, capable of recognizing structural analogies between medical devices and monitoring systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the inherent adaptability of clavicle fixation components as versatile structural platforms for sensor integration. The geometric characteristics of the intramedullary nail and anterior fixation plate provide natural mounting points and mechanical stability for environmental monitoring sensors. The source patent's detailed structural design inherently suggests potential cross-domain applications by demonstrating precise geometrical features that could be repurposed for sensing and data collection.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,229 |
|---|---|
| Title | Clavicle fixation system |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |