Personalized Assistive Devices Using Fibrocartilage Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to creating customized assistive devices, such as prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, exoskeletons, orthotics, and hearing aids, by leveraging fibrocartilage technology to provide personalized solutions for individuals with various physical and functional needs.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on personalized fibrocartilage implants for meniscus injuries. However, the technology's potential for customization and adaptability to individual needs can be applied to a broader range of assistive devices. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of traditional, one-size-fits-all assistive devices, which often fail to meet the unique requirements of individuals with diverse physical and functional abilities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept utilizes the core technology of the original patent, adapting it to create personalized assistive devices. This is achieved by integrating computer-aided design modules and 3D printing modules to generate customized devices based on individual users' specific anatomy and functional requirements. The system receives input data on the user's physical characteristics, mobility requirements, and other relevant factors, and then optimizes the device's design and fabrication accordingly. The resulting devices are tailored to provide optimal support, comfort, and functionality for each individual user.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of fibrocartilage technology to the field of assistive devices, providing a personalized and adaptive approach to device design and fabrication. This inventive step lies in the integration of computer-aided design and 3D printing to create customized devices that address the unique needs of individual users, going beyond the original patent's focus on meniscus implants.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials, such as biocompatible metals or polymers, or the integration of sensors and artificial intelligence to enhance device functionality and user experience. Variations could also include the development of modular devices that can be easily customized or upgraded to meet changing user needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The personalized assistive devices enabled by this inventive concept have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, rehabilitation, and disability services. The target market includes individuals with physical disabilities, amputees, and those requiring assistive devices for daily living. The market size is substantial, with an estimated global value of over $10 billion by 2025.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/3872 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/10 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30942 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/442 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/102 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/302 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30069 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30952 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4495 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, prosthetics, and personalized medical device design, with expertise in computer-aided design, 3D printing, and biomaterial fabrication techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced knowledge of computer-aided design, 3D printing technologies, biomaterial fabrication, and personalized medical device manufacturing, typically holding a PhD or equivalent professional experience in biomedical engineering or related fields
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technology of personalized implant fabrication disclosed in the source patent can be readily extended to other assistive devices by applying the same computational design and customization principles. The fundamental approach of receiving user-specific data, optimizing design parameters, and fabricating a personalized device using advanced manufacturing techniques is directly transferable across different medical and assistive technology domains. The PTD demonstrates a predictable variation of the source patent's core technological framework by applying its personalization methodology to a broader range of assistive devices.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,425 |
|---|---|
| Title | System and method for making personalized fibrocartilage implants |
| Assignee(s) | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |