Adaptive Acoustically Transparent Windows for Specialized Ultrasound Imaging Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857361_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Acoustically Transparent Windows for Specialized Ultrasound Imaging Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857361_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857361_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,361.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to an adaptive acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices, designed to operate effectively in various niche environments, including high-security settings, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and underwater environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices. However, these devices were not specifically designed to operate in unique operational environments, such as high-security settings or extreme weather conditions, which may require specialized designs and materials to ensure effective ultrasound imaging. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing an adaptive acoustically transparent window that can be tailored to specific niche environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adaptive acoustically transparent window is designed to be integrated with an intraluminal ultrasound imaging device, comprising a flexible elongate member and an ultrasound imaging assembly disposed at the distal end. The window is configured to withstand various environmental conditions, such as high-security protocols, extreme temperatures, high-altitude pressures, and water pressure. The window's material and design may be adjusted depending on the specific operational environment. For instance, in high-security environments, the window may be made of a reinforced material to prevent unauthorized access. In disaster relief scenarios, the window may be designed to be more durable and resistant to harsh conditions. In extreme weather conditions, the window may be made of a temperature-resistant material to maintain acoustic transparency. In high-altitude environments, the window may be designed to withstand high pressures while maintaining its acoustic properties. In underwater environments, the window may be made of a material that can withstand water pressure while allowing for effective ultrasound imaging.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent because it provides an adaptive acoustically transparent window that can be tailored to specific niche environments, which is not addressed in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the design and material selection of the window to withstand various environmental conditions, which enables effective ultrasound imaging in unique operational environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different materials or designs for the acoustically transparent window, such as using nanomaterials or metamaterials to enhance the window's acoustic properties. Other variations may include integrating the window with additional sensors or devices to enhance the imaging capabilities in specific environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical devices, disaster relief, and underwater exploration. The adaptive acoustically transparent window can be used in a range of applications, from medical imaging in high-security environments to underwater ultrasound imaging for marine life research. The market potential is substantial, with opportunities for licensing and partnerships with companies operating in these industries.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B8/12
A A61 A61B8/445
A A61 A61B8/4477
A A61 A61B8/4494
G G01 G01S7/52085
G G01 G01S15/8906

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically intraluminal ultrasound imaging technologies, involving advanced materials science, biomedical engineering, and diagnostic imaging systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in catheter-based imaging technologies, materials engineering, and ultrasound signal transmission, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental design of an acoustically transparent window can be readily adapted to different environmental conditions by selecting appropriate materials and structural modifications. The core ultrasound imaging principles remain consistent across the disclosed variations, with material and design adjustments representing predictable engineering solutions. The PTD's proposed variations represent standard design optimization techniques well within the capabilities of a skilled practitioner in medical device engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible elongate member with an ultrasound imaging assembly and acoustically transparent window
PTD Variation
Adapting the window material to withstand specific environmental conditions like high-altitude pressures or underwater environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for maintaining acoustic transparency under varying pressure conditions is a routine engineering design choice with predictable outcomes
Source Patent Element
Innermost layer comprising elastic material like polybutadiene rubber
PTD Variation
Modifying material composition to enhance temperature resistance or pressure tolerance
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting alternative elastomeric materials with enhanced performance characteristics represents a standard engineering optimization technique
Source Patent Element
Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device configured for body lumen positioning
PTD Variation
Tailoring device design for specialized environments like disaster relief or high-security scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical imaging devices for specific operational contexts is a well-established practice in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Catheter-based ultrasound imaging system with flexible elongate member
PTD Variation
Integrating additional sensors or using advanced materials like nanomaterials to enhance imaging capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating emerging materials and sensor technologies represents a predictable evolution of existing medical imaging technologies
Source Patent Element
Ultrasound imaging assembly with acoustically transparent window
PTD Variation
Developing environment-specific window designs with reinforced or specialized material compositions
Obviousness Reasoning
Creating context-specific device variations through material and structural modifications is a standard engineering problem-solving approach
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, based on the teachings of US Patent 11857361. The proposed adaptations represent predictable engineering solutions that extend the fundamental design principles of the source patent through routine material selection, structural modifications, and environmental optimization techniques.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,361
TitleAcoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging device
Assignee(s)Koninklijke Philips N.V.