Adaptive Bone Screw Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept disclosed herein relates to novel bone screw systems designed for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-temperature, extreme weather, disaster relief, high-security, or underwater operations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a bone screw and method of manufacture for general spinal implant systems. However, these conventional systems may not be optimized for use in specialized environments, where unique demands on the bone screw's mechanical properties, durability, and functionality are required. The inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing adaptive bone screw systems tailored to specific operational environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a family of bone screw systems, each optimized for a particular environment or application. For example, a bone screw for high-temperature environments features a solid core with varied configurations and internal features to structurally optimize its mechanical properties. Similarly, a bone screw for underwater operations incorporates internal features to optimize its function in high-pressure environments. The bone screws may be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques to enable complex geometries and tailored material properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in the adaptation of bone screw systems to specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, which is not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of the need for specialized bone screw systems and the development of novel designs, materials, and manufacturing techniques to meet these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include bone screws with varying thread patterns, surface coatings, or material compositions to further optimize their performance in specific environments. Additionally, the bone screws may be designed for use in combination with other medical devices, such as spinal implants or surgical instruments, to enhance their functionality in specialized environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including orthopedic implants, disaster relief, and high-security medical devices. The adaptive bone screw systems can be marketed to hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and government agencies, offering a competitive advantage in terms of performance, reliability, and customization.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8625 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7059 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/866 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7001 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00526 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00862 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically orthopedic and spinal implant technologies, involving advanced materials science, biomechanical design, and precision manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in orthopedic implant design, materials engineering, advanced manufacturing methods, and a comprehensive understanding of surgical biomechanical requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's specialized bone screw variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's fundamental design principles. The core innovation of variable material composition and structural optimization is directly derived from the original patent's teachings about bone screw manufacturing techniques. The PTD merely applies known design principles to specific environmental contexts using standard engineering problem-solving approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,233 |
|---|---|
| Title | Bone screw and method of manufacture |
| Assignee(s) | WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. |