Adaptive Marking Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile marking technology with applications in soil moisture monitoring, water leak detection, animal migration tracking, crop health monitoring, and material defect detection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original anatomical localization device patent addressed a specific need in the medical field. However, its core technology can be adapted to tackle various challenges in other industries, such as agriculture, construction, and materials science. The new inventive concept leverages the device's modular design and marking capabilities to provide innovative solutions for these diverse fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises an elongate handle and a marker assembly, which can be selectively actuated to impart marks on various surfaces. In the context of soil moisture monitoring, the marker assembly is designed to sense moisture levels and leave a mark indicative of the reading. For water leak detection, the marker assembly incorporates a radiolucent material, enabling the detection of leaks behind walls or under floors. In animal migration tracking, the marker assembly is adapted to mark an animal's hide or feathers, facilitating the study of migration patterns. For crop health monitoring, the marker assembly imparts marks on plants to indicate their health status. Lastly, the marker assembly can be designed with a radiopaque material for detecting defects in materials.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of the core technology, moving from medical anatomical localization to diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the device's components and operation to address specific challenges in these new fields, resulting in novel and non-obvious solutions.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adjustable marker assemblies, interchangeable tips for different surfaces, or integration with IoT sensors and data analytics platforms. Variations of the device could be designed for specific industries, such as a handheld unit for agricultural monitoring or a wall-mounted unit for construction quality control.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive marking systems have vast commercial potential, targeting industries such as agriculture, construction, materials science, and environmental monitoring. The market for these solutions is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and direct sales.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/39 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/395 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3966 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology and precision marking systems, with expertise in anatomical localization devices, material sensing, and multi-purpose handheld instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or technical professional with advanced degree, experience in medical device design, material science, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, familiar with adaptable sensing and marking technologies
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates a straightforward technological translation of the source patent's core anatomical localization device into diverse industrial applications by leveraging the fundamental design of an elongate handle with a selectively actuated marker assembly. A PHOSITA would recognize that the core mechanical and functional principles of the original device can be readily adapted to different sensing and marking contexts by modifying material composition and sensing capabilities. The variations represent predictable extensions of the original device's core technological framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,381 |
|---|---|
| Title | Anatomical localization device and method of use |