Real-Time Monitoring Systems for Infrastructure and Environmental Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel application of real-time monitoring systems, originally developed for bone correction, to various infrastructure and environmental sectors, enabling proactive maintenance, improved safety, and reduced costs.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for real-time monitoring of bone correction, but its applications were limited to the medical field. This inventive concept addresses the need for real-time monitoring in other critical infrastructure and environmental areas, such as wind turbines, bridges, forests, pipelines, and aircraft, where predictive maintenance and early warning systems are crucial for preventing catastrophic failures and ensuring public safety.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a plurality of sensors embedded in the infrastructure or environmental components, which detect changes in stress levels, temperature, or other environmental factors. A processor analyzes the sensor data to predict potential failures, needed maintenance, or environmental hazards. The system can be applied to various industries, including wind energy, civil engineering, forestry, oil and gas, and aerospace, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of real-time monitoring systems to infrastructure and environmental sectors, which was not anticipated by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address specific challenges in these new fields, such as wind turbine blade stress monitoring, bridge structural integrity analysis, and forest fire prediction.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different types of sensors, such as acoustic or vibration sensors, or the integration of machine learning algorithms to improve predictive capabilities. Variations of the inventive concept may also include the application of real-time monitoring systems to other infrastructure or environmental areas, such as dams, buildings, or marine ecosystems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including wind energy, civil engineering, forestry, oil and gas, and aerospace. The market for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring solutions is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the need for improved safety, reduced costs, and increased efficiency.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B5/686 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/091 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/4504 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/6898 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/7267 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/746 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/7435 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7002 |
| G | G16 | G16H50/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00022 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00221 |
| A | A61 | A61B2503/06 |
| A | A61 | A61B2562/0261 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical sensor systems and monitoring technologies, specifically focused on embedded sensor systems for real-time data collection and analysis across biological and infrastructure applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in sensor integration, data processing, embedded systems, and signal analysis, typically holding an advanced degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science with experience in sensor design and data analytics
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates a straightforward technological translation of the source patent's core sensing and monitoring methodology from biological systems to infrastructure applications. A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity in sensor embedding, data collection, and predictive processing techniques across different domains. The technical principles of real-time monitoring, sensor integration, and data-driven decision making are directly transferable between biological and mechanical systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,346 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for real-time monitoring of bone correction |
| Assignee(s) | WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. |