Prosthetic Valve-based Systems for Optimizing Fluid Flow in Non-Medical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of prosthetic heart valves to entirely new industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, to optimize fluid flow and improve resource allocation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed prosthetic heart valves with variable stiffness for medical applications. However, the limitations of this technology in addressing fluid flow optimization in non-medical industries led to the development of this new inventive concept, which tackles the specific problems of inefficient water distribution in agriculture, water waste in manufacturing, and fluid flow management in mining.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The prosthetic valve-based systems for non-medical applications comprise a stented prosthetic heart valve adapted to operate in various environments, including agricultural irrigation systems, manufacturing processes, and mining operations. The valve's variable stiffness mode enables optimal fluid flow distribution, while its self-expanding capability ensures uniform fluid flow. In agricultural applications, the valve modulates fluid flow to optimize crop yields. In manufacturing, the valve regulates fluid flow to minimize water waste. In mining, the valve maintains a predetermined shape to optimize fluid flow in high-pressure environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel application of prosthetic heart valve technology to non-medical industries, providing a non-obvious solution to the specific problems of fluid flow optimization in these fields. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the valve's variable stiffness and self-expanding capabilities to address the unique challenges of each industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different valve materials, shapes, or sizes to accommodate various fluid flow requirements. Variations could also involve integrating sensors or IoT technology to enable real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow in these applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The prosthetic valve-based systems for non-medical applications have significant commercial potential in the agriculture, manufacturing, and mining industries, where optimizing fluid flow can lead to increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved resource allocation. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions to improve their operations and reduce environmental impact.
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
Medical device engineering, specifically prosthetic valve design and fluid flow control systems, requiring advanced biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and fluid dynamics expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, fluid dynamics, materials science, and cross-disciplinary technology adaptation, holding advanced degrees and practical experience in prosthetic valve technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the prosthetic heart valve as readily adaptable to fluid control systems across multiple industries. The core technological features of variable stiffness, self-expansion, and precise fluid modulation are inherently transferable to non-medical applications. The PTD demonstrates a predictable extension of the source patent's core technological principles by applying established valve mechanics to alternative fluid management contexts.
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 |