Ingress-Egress Apparatus for Diverse Industry Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of the ingress-egress apparatus to novel industries, including precision agriculture, construction, industrial machinery, disaster response, and food processing, providing innovative solutions for debris removal, contamination prevention, and environmental sustainability.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the challenge of protecting surgical work sites during implant removal. However, the ingress-egress apparatus's unique design and functionality can be leveraged to tackle similar problems in other industries, where debris removal, contamination prevention, and environmental sustainability are crucial. The new inventive concept bridges this gap by adapting the core technology to diverse applications, offering a paradigm shift in these industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises an ingress-egress apparatus with an inverted frustum surface, featuring ingress and egress ports for continuous input and removal of fluids, debris, or contaminants. The apparatus can be tailored to specific industries, incorporating components such as vortex-forming structures, funnel-shaped structures, conforming soft bases, and soft awning covers. For instance, in precision agriculture, the apparatus can be used for irrigation and debris removal during crop harvesting, ensuring a sterile water solution is maintained. In construction, the apparatus can remove contaminants and debris from sites, reducing environmental impact.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the ingress-egress apparatus, which are non-obvious and unanticipated from the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the apparatus's versatility and adapting it to solve distinct problems in diverse industries, demonstrating a profound understanding of the underlying technology and its potential.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the apparatus's shape, size, and material to accommodate specific industry requirements. Variations may also involve integrating sensors, automation, or AI to enhance the apparatus's performance and efficiency. Furthermore, the inventive concept could be combined with other technologies, such as robotics or drones, to expand its capabilities and reach.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including precision agriculture, construction, industrial machinery, disaster response, and food processing. The market for debris removal, contamination prevention, and environmental sustainability solutions is substantial, and the ingress-egress apparatus's adaptability and versatility position it for widespread adoption and success.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/92 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/17 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0042 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/564 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/036 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/08021 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/005 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and surgical apparatus design, with expertise in protective containment systems for surgical procedures and debris management across multiple technical domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering, understanding fluid dynamics, surgical instrumentation design, and cross-industry adaptability of protective containment technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the source patent's ingress-egress apparatus are readily transferable to diverse industrial contexts. The core technological concept of a frustum-shaped containment system with controlled fluid input and output ports represents a generalizable solution applicable across multiple domains. The variations disclosed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original surgical apparatus design by applying known engineering principles of modular system adaptation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,377 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ingress-egress apparatus for protection of surgical field during removal of surgical implants, and related methods |
| Assignee(s) | Board of Trustees of Michigan State University |