Adaptable Modular Components for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a versatile technology for utilizing stemless and stemmed humeral components in a wide range of industries beyond orthopedic implants, including oceanic wildlife monitoring, wind turbine design, pipeline corrosion detection, autonomous agricultural harvesting, and athletic performance enhancement.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on orthopedic implants, specifically shoulder prostheses, with stemless and stemmed humeral components. However, the core technology has untapped potential in other industries. The present inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by applying the modular component design to diverse industrial applications, providing innovative solutions to various problems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises adaptable modular components, including stemless and stemmed humeral components, designed to be integrated into various systems and devices. For instance, in oceanic wildlife monitoring, the stemless humeral component serves as an anchor for underwater sensors, while in wind turbine design, the stemmed humeral component provides structural support for the blade. Similarly, in pipeline corrosion detection, the stemless humeral component is used as a sensing unit, and in autonomous agricultural harvesting, the stemmed humeral component supports harvesting machinery. In athletic performance enhancement, the stemmed humeral component is used as a wearable device for tracking athletic movements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the stemless and stemmed humeral components, which are non-obvious extensions of the original patent's technology. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the modular component design and adapting it to address specific problems in various industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using the adaptable modular components in other industries, such as aerospace, construction, or medical devices. Variations may involve modifying the design of the stemless and stemmed humeral components to accommodate specific requirements or materials.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in multiple industries, including environmental monitoring, renewable energy, infrastructure maintenance, agriculture, and sports technology. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions to specific problems, as well as researchers and developers looking to integrate the adaptable modular components into their designs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/4014 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30749 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30383 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30428 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4022 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and mechanical design, specifically focusing on modular component systems for structural support and anchoring in medical, industrial, and technological applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanical design, and interdisciplinary component adaptation, capable of recognizing transferable design principles across multiple technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental modular design of the stemless and stemmed humeral components from the source patent inherently suggests broad applicability beyond orthopedic implants. The core technical principles of structural support, anchoring, and modular configuration are universally applicable across diverse technical domains. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core mechanical design concepts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,427 |
|---|---|
| Title | Implants, systems and methods of using the same |
| Assignee(s) | DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY |