Acoustically Transparent Window for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of the original acoustically transparent window to various industries, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, athletics, infrastructure inspection, and medical imaging, enabling novel solutions for detecting pollutants, monitoring crop health, tracking athletic performance, inspecting bridges, and diagnosing respiratory diseases.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's acoustically transparent window was designed for intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices. However, the limitations of this design restrict its applicability to other fields. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to cater to diverse industries, providing innovative solutions to pressing problems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept revolves around the integration of the acoustically transparent window into various systems and devices. In environmental monitoring, the window enables the detection of ultrasonic signals indicative of aquatic life disturbances caused by pollutants. In agriculture, it facilitates the non-invasive monitoring of crop health by transmitting ultrasonic waves through plant cellular structures. In athletics, the window is integrated into smart fabrics to measure muscle fatigue and optimize training regimens. For infrastructure inspection, it detects anomalies in concrete indicative of cracks or weaknesses in bridges. Finally, in medical imaging, the window enables the non-invasive diagnosis of respiratory diseases by detecting changes in lung tissue.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as it applies the core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, thereby providing innovative solutions to distinct problems. The inventive step lies in the adaptation and integration of the acoustically transparent window into these diverse applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials or geometries for the acoustically transparent window, depending on the specific application requirements. Additionally, the window could be integrated into wearable devices, drones, or autonomous vehicles to further expand its potential applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, athletics, infrastructure inspection, and medical imaging. The market for these applications is substantial, with growing demands for innovative solutions to pressing problems. The inventive concept's adaptability and versatility make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to expand their product offerings and stay ahead in their respective markets.
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
Medical ultrasound imaging and acoustic sensing technologies, with expertise in intraluminal device design, acoustic wave transmission through specialized membranes, and multi-domain sensor applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced knowledge of ultrasound imaging, materials science, and signal transmission techniques, capable of adapting acoustic window technologies across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental acoustic transmission principles from the source patent can be readily extended to diverse sensing and imaging applications by applying known signal processing and material science techniques. The core innovation of an acoustically transparent window represents a generalizable technology with predictable performance across multiple domains. The PTD demonstrates how a skilled practitioner would systematically adapt the original intraluminal ultrasound window concept to solve problems in environmental, agricultural, athletic, infrastructure, and medical monitoring contexts.
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. |