Modular Wearable Devices for Diverse Medical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept extends the core technology of the original patent to various new medical applications, enabling wearable devices to monitor and treat diverse health conditions beyond cardiac care.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on wearable medical devices for cardiac monitoring and treatment. However, this limited the technology's potential to address other significant health concerns. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to novel medical applications, thereby expanding its impact and reach.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce wearable devices and garments that integrate ECG sensing electrodes and treatment electrodes to monitor and treat athletic injuries, prevent sports-related concussions, detect heat-related illnesses, respond to environmental toxin exposure, and manage chronic pain. These innovative applications leverage the modular design and advanced sensing capabilities of the original technology to create versatile, effective, and user-friendly solutions for diverse medical needs.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that depart from the original patent's cardiac focus. The inventive step lies in adapting the core technology to address distinct medical challenges, thereby demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative expansion of the original concept.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include wearable devices integrated into clothing, accessories, or equipment for specific activities (e.g., sports, outdoor activities). Variations might involve different sensor configurations, treatment modalities, or user interfaces tailored to specific medical applications or user demographics.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports medicine, occupational health, environmental monitoring, and pain management. The target market includes athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, workers in hazardous environments, and individuals suffering from chronic pain or other health conditions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, wearable medical device technology, with expertise in physiological monitoring systems, sensor integration, and adaptive medical garment design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, experience in medical device design, understanding of ECG sensing technologies, familiarity with modular wearable electronics, and knowledge of physiological monitoring techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's modular cardiac monitoring system provides a fundamental technological framework that can be readily adapted to diverse medical monitoring and treatment applications. The core technological elements - integrated ECG sensing, treatment electrodes, and adaptive garment design - are inherently transferable across different medical contexts. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological principles, utilizing known sensor integration and physiological monitoring techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,329 |
|---|---|
| Title | Modular garment for a wearable medical device |
| Assignee(s) | ZOLL Medical Corporation |