Adaptable Prosthetic Valve Technology for Industrial and Environmental Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of stented prosthetic heart valves to develop innovative solutions for industrial fluid flow management, energy optimization, oil recovery, wastewater treatment, and microfluidic devices.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a prosthetic heart valve with variable stiffness for medical applications. However, the limitations of this technology in addressing industrial and environmental challenges were not explored. This inventive concept bridges that gap by applying the adaptable prosthetic valve technology to diverse fields, solving problems related to fluid flow regulation, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the stented prosthetic heart valve design to create valves with adjustable stiffness, enabling them to regulate fluid flow in various industrial and environmental settings. The valves can be integrated into HVAC systems to optimize energy consumption, used in oil wells to enhance recovery, or applied in wastewater treatment to monitor and control fluid flow rates and chemical composition. Additionally, these valves can be miniaturized for use in microfluidic devices to control fluid flow and pressure. The sensor-equipped valves can provide real-time monitoring and feedback, allowing for efficient system optimization.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the unexpected application of prosthetic heart valve technology to industrial and environmental domains, leveraging the adaptable stent frame and valve structure to address distinct challenges in these fields. The inventive step involves recognizing the potential of this technology to solve problems beyond medical applications and developing innovative solutions to capitalize on this potential.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include valves with different materials, geometries, or sensor configurations tailored to specific industrial or environmental applications. Variations might involve integrating the valves with AI-powered control systems, using them in conjunction with other flow control devices, or developing miniaturized versions for use in lab-on-a-chip devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable prosthetic valve technology has significant commercial potential in industries such as HVAC, oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and microfluidics. The market for these innovative solutions is substantial, with potential customers including industrial equipment manufacturers, energy companies, and environmental services providers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2418 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0018 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0029 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and fluid control systems, with expertise in prosthetic valve design, fluid dynamics, and adaptive mechanical structures across medical and industrial applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced engineering degree, understanding of materials science, fluid mechanics, and cross-domain technology adaptation, capable of translating medical device principles to alternative technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental transferability of the stented prosthetic valve's core mechanical principles across fluid control contexts. The source patent's detailed stent frame design provides a clear technological template for adapting valve functionality to industrial environments. The mechanical expansion characteristics, sensor integration potential, and structural adaptability inherent in the original heart valve design naturally suggest broader applications beyond medical use.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,413 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stented prosthetic heart valve with variable stiffness and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic Vascular Galway |