Prosthetic Knee Joint for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts the core technology of the original thigh prosthetic component to various new industries and use cases, including search and rescue, agriculture, underwater exploration, disaster response, and public transportation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original thigh prosthetic component was designed for a specific medical application. However, its core technology, particularly the pivoting knee joint, has broader potential. The new inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by applying this technology to entirely different fields, providing innovative solutions to specific challenges in each industry.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The prosthetic knee joint system is adapted for use in various applications, including wearable devices for search and rescue operations in dense forests, robotic harvesting devices for agricultural efficiency, underwater exploration systems, disaster response and recovery operations, and public transportation accessibility systems. The pivoting knee joint enables navigation of rugged terrain, facilitates efficient harvesting, withstands water pressure, navigates debris-filled environments, and facilitates boarding and exiting of vehicles.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the prosthetic knee joint technology, which are non-obvious and unexpected compared to the original medical application. The inventive step lies in recognizing the broader potential of the core technology and adapting it to address specific challenges in diverse industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include modifying the knee joint system for use in space exploration, adapting it for use with autonomous vehicles, or integrating it with exoskeletons for industrial or military applications. Variations could also include different materials, sizes, or configurations to suit specific industry requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The prosthetic knee joint system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including search and rescue, agriculture, underwater exploration, disaster response, and public transportation. The market demand for innovative solutions in these fields is substantial, and the adapted prosthetic knee joint technology could provide a competitive edge and improve operational efficiency.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/64 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/642 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/6607 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/74 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/6614 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Prosthetic and robotic biomechanical systems, specifically knee joint mechanisms with articulated movement capabilities across medical, industrial, and assistive technology domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or robotics specialist with expertise in mechanical design, joint articulation, and adaptive prosthetic technologies, capable of translating core mechanical principles across different application contexts
Obviousness Rationale
A skilled practitioner would recognize the fundamental knee joint mechanism's adaptability across diverse environments by understanding its core mechanical principles of pivoting, load-bearing, and positional flexibility. The source patent's core technical elements - articulated arm, stance/swing positioning, and adjustable flexion - provide a readily transferable mechanical framework that can be systematically applied to alternative domains. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage the inherent mechanical design's versatility.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,394 |
|---|---|
| Title | Thigh prosthetic component |