Enhanced Forceps for Internal Fixation with Adaptive and Sensing Capabilities
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative forceps design that integrates self-adjusting mechanisms, pressure sensors, and biocompatible coatings to improve the efficiency, safety, and outcome of internal fixation procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original forceps for internal fixation, as described in the original patent, have limitations in terms of adaptability to varying bone fragment sizes and shapes, lack of real-time pressure feedback, and potential for post-operative infection. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that enhance the overall performance and reliability of the forceps.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced forceps comprise a first member with a self-adjusting mechanism that allows for adaptive grasping of bone fragments of varying sizes and shapes. A second member features a built-in sensor for detecting pressure and stability of bone fragments during internal fixation. The third member has a surface with a nanocoating for enhanced biocompatibility and reduced risk of post-operative infection. Additionally, a fourth member is designed to be detachable and reusable, minimizing medical waste and environmental impact. An ergonomic grip design with a vibration-dampening system reduces fatigue and improves precision during prolonged surgical procedures.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that significantly improve the original forceps design, including self-adjusting mechanisms, pressure sensors, biocompatible coatings, detachable and reusable designs, and ergonomic grip designs with vibration-dampening systems. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, offering improved performance, safety, and efficiency in internal fixation procedures.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced forceps could include different self-adjusting mechanisms, such as shape-memory alloys or hydraulic systems. The pressure sensor could be replaced with other types of sensors, such as optical or acoustic sensors. The biocompatible coating could be modified to accommodate different types of implants or surgical procedures. The detachable and reusable design could be applied to other medical instruments, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced forceps for internal fixation have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the orthopedic and trauma surgery markets. The improved performance, safety, and efficiency of the forceps could lead to increased adoption and market share, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers worldwide.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8866 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/808 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically surgical instruments for bone fixation and orthopedic surgical techniques, requiring expertise in biomechanical design, materials science, and surgical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical instrument designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical instrument design, materials engineering, and biomechanical adaptation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the enhanced forceps represent predictable incremental improvements to the existing bone fragment fixation design, utilizing known engineering techniques to address inherent limitations in the original device. The modifications represent standard design optimization strategies commonly employed in medical device development to improve functionality, safety, and usability. The technical variations demonstrate logical extensions of the source patent's core principles using well-established engineering approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,237 |
|---|---|
| Title | Forceps for internal fixation |
| Assignee(s) | THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF KOREA INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION |