Applying Stereolithography to Novel Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of stereolithography-based plate denture production to create novel applications in various industries, including jewelry, prosthetics, hearing aids, footwear, and veterinary medicine.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for producing plate dentures using stereolithography. However, the potential of stereolithography extends far beyond dentistry. This inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by exploring new applications and use cases for stereolithography in diverse industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the stereolithography technology to produce customized products in various fields. For instance, Claim 1 discloses a system for producing customized jewelry using a stereolithography 3D printer, a curable composition, and a jewelry production kit. Similarly, Claims 2-5 describe methods and systems for creating personalized prosthetic limbs, customized hearing aids, customized footwear, and customized implants for veterinary medicine, respectively. Each application utilizes the core technology of stereolithography, with modifications to the curable composition, polymerization initiators, and production kits to suit the specific industry's requirements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of stereolithography to novel industries, which is non-obvious compared to the original patent's focus on dentistry. The inventive step involves identifying the potential of stereolithography in these new fields and developing the necessary modifications to the technology to make it suitable for each industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of 3D printers, varying the curable composition's properties, or incorporating additional features such as sensors or actuators into the produced products. Variations could also involve adapting the technology for use in other industries, such as aerospace or automotive.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including jewelry, prosthetics, hearing aids, footwear, and veterinary medicine. The ability to produce customized products using stereolithography could revolutionize these industries, offering improved fit, comfort, and performance. The target market includes companies and organizations operating in these industries, as well as individuals seeking customized products.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61C13/0013 |
| A | A61 | A61C13/01 |
| A | A61 | A61C13/10 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/124 |
| B | B33 | B33Y10/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
| C | C09 | C09J7/10 |
| C | C09 | C09J7/30 |
| C | C09 | C09J2301/416 |
| C | C09 | C09J2433/00 |
| C | C09 | C09J2433/008 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Additive Manufacturing and Materials Science, specifically stereolithography 3D printing technologies for customized medical and consumer products, involving expertise in photopolymerization, material chemistry, and precision manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with a bachelor's or master's degree in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering, with 3-5 years experience in 3D printing technologies, familiar with photopolymerization techniques, material formulation, and cross-industry manufacturing adaptations
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core stereolithography technology disclosed in US 11857385 for dental applications represents a generalizable manufacturing approach with broad potential for customized product fabrication. The fundamental principles of stereolithography - precise 3D printing using photocurable compositions and specialized initiators - are directly transferable across different product domains. The variations in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological framework, involving routine material and process modifications to suit specific industry requirements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,385 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method of producing plate denture, curable composition for stereolithography, and plate denture production kit |
| Assignee(s) | TOKUYAMA DENTAL CORPORATION |