Differential Compression Technology for Multi-Industry Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original differential compression bone screw to secure and compress various components in diverse industries, including wind energy, aerospace, composite materials, modular construction, and shipbuilding.
Background and Problem Solved
The original differential compression bone screw patent addressed the need for securing bones together in orthopedic procedures. However, its innovative design and functionality can be adapted to tackle similar challenges in other industries, where securing and compressing adjacent components is crucial. The present inventive concept solves the problem of limited application scope by expanding the technology's reach to address analogous challenges in new fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a system or method utilizing a differential compression screw to secure and compress adjacent components in various industries. The screw features a head portion and a distally extending shank with threads having a differential pitch, enabling efficient compression and stabilization. In wind energy, the screw secures wind turbine blades. In aerospace, it repairs damaged aircraft wings. In composite materials, it assembles and bonds layers together. In modular construction, it compresses and secures adjacent building modules. In shipbuilding, it repairs damaged ship hulls.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a non-obvious extension of the original patent's technology to entirely new industries and applications, demonstrating a novel and inventive step in applying the differential compression concept to solve analogous problems in diverse fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include customized screw designs for specific industries, adjustable thread pitches, or integration with additional components to enhance functionality. Variations may also involve using different materials or coatings to optimize performance in specific environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the target industries, offering a unique solution for securing and compressing adjacent components. The market for this technology is substantial, with potential applications in wind energy, aerospace, composite materials, modular construction, and shipbuilding, among others.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/863 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/809 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8605 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/80 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8635 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic and mechanical fastener technologies, specifically focusing on compression screws for joining and stabilizing components across medical, structural, and engineering applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or biomedical engineering professional with expertise in fastener design, materials science, and understanding of compression mechanisms, capable of adapting screw technologies across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental compression mechanism of the differential thread pitch screw as a transferable engineering solution applicable across multiple technical domains. The core technical principle of using thread geometry to generate controlled compression is universally applicable beyond bone repair. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the source patent's core mechanical innovation by applying the same fundamental compression strategy to different material joining scenarios.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,235 |
|---|---|
| Title | Differential compression bone screw |
| Assignee(s) | In2Bones USA, LLC |