Marine and Offshore Applications of Orthopedic Screw Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of the orthopedic screw to various marine and offshore applications, enabling secure and stable anchoring, monitoring, and exploration in harsh environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on orthopedic screws for fracture reduction and fixation. However, the limitations of traditional anchoring methods in marine environments, such as high-pressure and corrosive conditions, hinder the efficiency and safety of offshore operations. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the orthopedic screw technology for marine and offshore use.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises modified orthopedic screws, specifically designed for underwater applications. The screws feature a buttress thread design, allowing for secure anchoring to the seafloor or coral reefs. The system can be used for monitoring ocean currents, installing wind turbines, deploying underwater sensors, and securing offshore oil rigs. The modified screws provide increased structural integrity, reduced installation time, and enhanced data collection capabilities.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a non-obvious application of orthopedic screw technology to marine and offshore environments, providing a novel solution to the limitations of traditional anchoring methods. The inventive concept's use of modified buttress thread screws and cannulated orthopedic screws for underwater applications is a significant departure from the original patent's focus on fracture reduction and fixation.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different screw materials, such as corrosion-resistant alloys, or the integration of sensors and monitoring systems into the screws. Variations of the concept could also include the application of orthopedic screw technology to other underwater environments, such as lake or riverbeds.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the marine and offshore industries, including wind turbine installation, offshore oil rigging, and underwater exploration. The market for marine and offshore anchoring solutions is substantial, with an estimated value of billions of dollars. The inventive concept's ability to provide secure and stable anchoring in harsh environments positions it for significant market share and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8685 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8625 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/06 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/062 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices and medical anchoring technologies, with expertise in mechanical design, biomechanical engineering, and precision fastening systems for medical and industrial applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer or technician with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering, possessing knowledge of material science, mechanical design principles, and experience in adapting fastening technologies across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core mechanical principles of the orthopedic screw - specifically its threaded design, cannulation, and load-bearing characteristics - are readily adaptable to alternative technical domains like marine engineering. The source patent's detailed mechanical specifications provide a clear technological foundation that can be systematically translated to underwater anchoring applications with predictable modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,236 |
|---|---|
| Title | Orthopedic screw |
| Assignee(s) | RetroFix Screws, LLC |