Modular, Adaptive, and Personalized Internal Bone Fixation Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation internal bone fixation system that leverages modular design, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials to provide personalized, adaptive, and minimally invasive solutions for bone fusion and repair.
Background and Problem Solved
The original internal bone fixation device patent has limitations in terms of customization, adaptability, and biocompatibility. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing modular, shape-memory alloy, bioresorbable, and hybrid internal bone fixation devices that can be tailored to individual patients' needs, providing improved bone fusion and reduced recovery times.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept encompasses a range of modular internal bone fixation systems, each comprising interlocking support frames with porous architectures and unique geometric shapes adapted for specific bone regions. These frames can be assembled to form customized implants for patients, leveraging additive manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the concept includes devices with shape-memory alloy support frames, bioresorbable materials, and integrated sensor systems for real-time monitoring and feedback. These advanced features enable minimally invasive surgical procedures, improved bone fusion, and reduced recovery times.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features, including modular design, additive manufacturing, shape-memory alloy support frames, bioresorbable materials, and integrated sensor systems. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling personalized, adaptive, and minimally invasive internal bone fixation solutions.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include devices with different material combinations, such as titanium and polymer blends, or devices with adjustable porosity and surface texture. Variations could also include devices with integrated sensors for monitoring bone fusion, devices with bioactive coatings for enhanced bone growth, or devices with modular components for easy replacement and upgrade.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and spinal implant markets, with potential applications in minimally invasive surgical procedures, personalized medicine, and regenerative medicine. The target industries include orthopedic device manufacturers, hospitals, and medical research institutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/447 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30112 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30971 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically orthopedic implant design with a focus on internal bone fixation systems, requiring expertise in biomaterials, surgical techniques, and advanced manufacturing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degree, knowledge of materials science, 3D printing technologies, surgical implant design, and understanding of biomechanical requirements for bone fusion devices
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's basic internal bone fixation device structure provides a foundational framework that can be naturally extended through known engineering techniques like modular design, additive manufacturing, and advanced material selection. The PTD's variations represent predictable technological improvements that would be obvious to implement using standard design methodologies in orthopedic device engineering. The core structural elements of layered, rimmed support frames from the source patent can be readily adapted to incorporate advanced manufacturing and material technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,393 |
|---|---|
| Title | Internal bone fixation device |
| Assignee(s) | ALM Ortho, Inc. |