Expanding Ultrasound Probe Technology to New Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original ultrasound probe patent to address novel applications and use cases in diverse industries, including oceanic marine life monitoring, wind turbine blade inspection, skin condition diagnosis, aerospace composite material quality control, and athlete performance monitoring.
Background and Problem Solved
The original ultrasound probe patent was primarily focused on medical imaging applications. However, the innovative design and thermal management features of the probe have broader implications. This inventive concept recognizes the limitations of the original patent and seeks to apply the core technology to entirely new industries and problems, thereby expanding the scope and potential impact of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims encompass a range of applications, including underwater ultrasound probes for marine life monitoring, ultrasound probes with thermally conductive planar layers for wind turbine blade inspection, portable ultrasound-based diagnostic devices for skin condition detection, ultrasound-based quality control systems for aerospace composite materials, and wearable ultrasound devices for athlete performance monitoring. Each of these applications leverages the advanced thermal management capabilities and design features of the original probe to provide high-resolution imaging, enhanced detection capabilities, and improved performance in their respective domains.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the application of the original ultrasound probe technology to entirely new industries and use cases, which were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of the broader potential of the core technology and the adaptation of the design and thermal management features to address specific challenges and needs in these new domains.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include the development of customized ultrasound probes for specific industries, such as oil and gas exploration, or the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the probes. Variations of the concept could also involve the use of different materials or manufacturing processes to reduce costs or improve performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The commercial potential of this inventive concept is substantial, with applications in multiple industries and markets. The oceanic marine life monitoring system could be marketed to environmental organizations and research institutions, while the wind turbine blade inspection system could be sold to wind energy companies. The portable skin condition diagnostic device could be targeted at dermatologists and primary care physicians, and the aerospace composite material quality control system could be marketed to aerospace manufacturers. The wearable athlete performance monitoring device could be sold to sports teams, athletic trainers, and individual athletes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/4444 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4455 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4494 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/546 |
| F | F28 | F28F3/048 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial ultrasound imaging technologies, specifically transducer probe design with thermal management systems, encompassing medical diagnostics, non-destructive testing, and specialized sensing applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in ultrasound transducer design, thermal management, signal processing, and materials engineering, typically holding a master's or PhD in electrical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering with 3-7 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core thermal management and transducer array technologies disclosed in US 11857364 are readily adaptable to multiple industrial and diagnostic contexts. The fundamental design principles of thermally conductive fins, return planes, and signal transmission are universally applicable across different sensing environments. The variations presented in the PTD represent predictable extensions of known ultrasound probe technologies by applying established engineering principles to novel application domains.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,364 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ultrasound probe |
| Assignee(s) | FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc. |