Enhanced Anatomical Localization Device with Safety Features

Publication ID: 24-11857381_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Anatomical Localization Device with Safety Features,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857381_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857381_0001_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. 11,857,381.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved anatomical localization device featuring a self-locking handle, retractable marking pen, and sensor-equipped marker assembly to enhance safety, reduce skin damage, and improve accuracy.

Background and Problem Solved

The original anatomical localization device had limitations in terms of safety, lifespan, and marking quality. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a self-locking mechanism, modular handle, and advanced marker assembly features.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced anatomical localization device comprises an elongate handle with a self-locking mechanism to prevent accidental extension. The handle is modular, allowing for easy replacement of worn or damaged sections, thereby increasing the device's lifespan. The marker assembly features a retractable marking pen and a sensor that detects and alerts the user to excessive marking pressure, reducing the risk of skin damage. Additionally, the marker assembly includes a replaceable ink cartridge and an automatic ink flow control system to minimize waste and ensure consistent marking quality. The device can also be equipped with a haptic feedback system, providing the user with tactile cues to optimize marker placement and improve accuracy.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a self-locking mechanism, modular handle, and advanced marker assembly features that are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in safety, lifespan, and marking quality, making the new inventive concept novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of locking mechanisms, handle materials, and sensor technologies. Additionally, the marker assembly could be designed with different types of ink cartridges or flow control systems. The haptic feedback system could also be implemented using various tactile cue technologies.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced anatomical localization device has significant commercial potential in the medical and healthcare industries, particularly in surgical and diagnostic applications. The device's improved safety features and increased lifespan make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B90/39
A A61 A61B2090/395
A A61 A61B2090/3966

Field of Art

Medical device design and anatomical localization technologies, focusing on precision marking and positioning instruments for medical procedures, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and medical device ergonomics

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years professional experience, familiar with surgical marking tools, materials selection, and human factors engineering principles

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable variations of the source patent's core anatomical localization device concept. The proposed modifications address known limitations in existing medical marking technologies by introducing incremental safety and functionality improvements. These variations emerge from standard design optimization strategies commonly employed in medical device development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Elongate handle with nested extensible sections
PTD Variation
Self-locking mechanism to prevent accidental extension
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding a locking feature to an adjustable handle is a predictable design improvement addressing user safety concerns, representing a known technique in mechanical device design
Source Patent Element
Marker assembly configured for imparting a mark
PTD Variation
Sensor-equipped marker assembly detecting excessive marking pressure
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating pressure-sensing technology into medical marking devices is a logical extension of existing human-factors engineering principles, solving known problems of potential skin damage
Source Patent Element
Marker assembly material options including polyetherimide and polycarbonate
PTD Variation
Modular handle with replaceable sections
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing interchangeable components using known medical-grade polymers represents a standard approach to improving device serviceability and lifecycle management
Source Patent Element
Basic anatomical localization device with marking capability
PTD Variation
Haptic feedback system providing tactile placement cues
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating sensory feedback mechanisms is a predictable enhancement in precision medical instruments, leveraging established human-machine interaction design principles
Source Patent Element
Static marker assembly with basic ink delivery
PTD Variation
Replaceable ink cartridge with automatic flow control system
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing more sophisticated ink management techniques represents an obvious iterative improvement addressing known consumable component limitations
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857381 and the principles of predictable design variation, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed anatomical localization device enhancements would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, thereby anticipating and rendering obvious subsequent patent claims with substantially similar technical characteristics.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,381
TitleAnatomical localization device and method of use