Adaptable Suture Guard Technology for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of suture guards for prosthetic valves to create innovative solutions for controlling fluid flow, air flow, and mechanical stress in various industrial settings, including greenhouses, fuel cell systems, chemical processing plants, and industrial process control.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a suture guard for prosthetic heart valves, addressing the challenge of securing flexible leaflets to a support structure. However, this technology has broader implications and can be adapted to solve similar problems in other industries, where fluid flow control, mechanical stress protection, and corrosion resistance are crucial.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe the application of suture guard technology to novel industrial contexts. For instance, in greenhouses, the suture guard prevents damage to air flow control valves during installation and operation. In fuel cell systems, the suture guard shields the valve from reactants and byproducts. Similarly, in chemical processing plants, the suture guard protects the valve from corrosive substances and high-pressure fluid flow. These adaptations enable the creation of more efficient, reliable, and durable industrial systems.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to transfer the suture guard technology from prosthetic heart valves to diverse industrial applications, addressing unmet needs in fluid flow control, mechanical stress protection, and corrosion resistance. The inventive step involves recognizing the broader potential of the original technology and adapting it to solve distinct problems in new industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating sensors or monitoring systems to optimize valve performance, using different materials or coatings to enhance corrosion resistance, or designing modular suture guard systems for easy maintenance and replacement.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable suture guard technology has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, fuel cell systems, chemical processing, and industrial process control. The target market includes manufacturers of industrial valves, fluid flow control systems, and mechanical stress protection solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2409 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2427 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0496 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2412 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2454 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0075 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and fluid control systems, specifically prosthetic valve technologies with a focus on mechanical interfaces, fluid flow regulation, and protective structural components
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with expertise in medical device design, prosthetic valve technologies, fluid control systems, and interdisciplinary technology adaptation, possessing advanced degrees and 3-5 years of professional experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the suture guard technology as universally applicable across different technical domains, understanding that protective mechanical interfaces for valves can be systematically transferred between medical and industrial contexts. The core functional elements of preventing mechanical stress, controlling fluid flow, and protecting sensitive components remain consistent across different application environments. The PTD demonstrates a predictable extension of the source patent's core technological concept by applying known structural and functional principles to alternative use cases.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,410 |
|---|---|
| Title | Suture guard for a prosthetic valve |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |