Acoustically Transparent Window for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, wind turbine inspection, brain activity monitoring, aircraft defect detection, and agricultural product evaluation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices, but its acoustically transparent window technology has broader potential. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new applications and use cases, providing solutions for various industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the acoustically transparent window technology for diverse industrial applications. For instance, Claim 1 proposes an underwater acoustic window for environmental water quality monitoring, while Claim 2 suggests using the window for wind turbine blade inspection. Similarly, Claims 3-5 describe applications in brain activity monitoring, aircraft defect detection, and agricultural product evaluation. These new claims build upon the original patent's technology, expanding its reach into novel domains.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a significant inventive step by applying the acoustically transparent window technology to entirely new industries and problems. This departure from the original patent's medical focus demonstrates a non-obvious and innovative approach to solving diverse challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifications to the window material, shape, or size to accommodate specific industry requirements. Variations could also involve integrating the window with other sensing technologies or using it in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to enhance data analysis and interpretation.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including environmental monitoring, renewable energy, healthcare, aerospace, and agriculture. The target market includes companies, research institutions, and government agencies seeking innovative solutions for their respective domains.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/445 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4477 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4494 |
| G | G01 | G01S7/52085 |
| G | G01 | G01S15/8906 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ultrasonic imaging and non-destructive testing technologies, encompassing medical diagnostics, industrial inspection, and environmental monitoring. Requires expertise in acoustic wave propagation, signal processing, and materials science with proficiency in ultrasonic transducer design and signal interpretation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering or physics degree, experienced in acoustic imaging techniques, familiar with material properties affecting sound transmission, and capable of adapting ultrasonic technologies across different application domains
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates that the core acoustic window technology from the source patent can be readily adapted to alternative domains by applying standard engineering principles of signal transmission and material selection. A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental acoustic transparency mechanism remains consistent across different applications, merely requiring minor material or geometric modifications to suit specific environmental conditions. The variations represent predictable extensions of the original ultrasonic window concept by applying known signal processing and transduction techniques to solve analogous technical challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,361 |
|---|---|
| Title | Acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging device |
| Assignee(s) | Koninklijke Philips N.V. |