Next-Generation Prosthetic Sleeve Manufacturing System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A revolutionary prosthetic sleeve manufacturing system that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and 4D printing to create customized, adaptive, and self-healing prosthetic sleeves for optimal fit, comfort, and user experience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis,' provides a method for creating customized sleeves using elastomer materials. However, this method has limitations in terms of material properties, manufacturing complexity, and user adaptability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced technologies that enable real-time adjustments, personalized fit, and autonomous maintenance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The next-generation prosthetic sleeve manufacturing system consists of several key components: a mold of the individual's limb, a preform made of a nanomaterial-based elastomer, an injection unit for injecting a polymer cross-linkable at low temperature around the preform, and an artificial intelligence system for generating personalized preform designs based on patient data. The system utilizes additive manufacturing and hybrid 3D printing and injection molding processes to create customized sleeves with tunable properties. The sleeve is integrated with sensors for monitoring the user's physiological and biomechanical data, enabling real-time adjustments to the sleeve's properties. Additionally, the system incorporates self-healing materials that can autonomously repair and maintain the sleeve.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel and non-obvious features, including the use of nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and 4D printing. The real-time adjustment capability, sensor integration, and self-healing materials also represent significant advancements over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different nanomaterials, various additive manufacturing techniques, or alternative sensor configurations. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other medical applications, such as customized implants or wearable devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation prosthetic sleeve manufacturing system has significant commercial potential in the prosthetics industry, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. The system's advanced features and adaptability could also expand into other markets, such as sports medicine and wearable technology.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/5046 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/0053 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/14065 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/14336 |
| B | B29 | B29C65/48 |
| B | B29 | B29C66/729 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/5053 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/5056 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/7837 |
| B | B29 | B29C2045/0079 |
| B | B29 | B29C2045/14155 |
| B | B29 | B29K2083/00 |
| B | B29 | B29K2105/0061 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/7532 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device manufacturing, specifically prosthetic sleeve fabrication, involving materials science, biomechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques with expertise in elastomer processing, molding technologies, and personalized medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or materials scientist with advanced degrees, proficient in 3D modeling, polymer chemistry, additive manufacturing, and prosthetic device customization, familiar with emerging technologies in medical device fabrication
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's fundamental manufacturing approach, applying known advanced manufacturing and materials technologies to enhance the existing prosthetic sleeve production method. The core manufacturing process remains substantially similar, with incremental improvements in material selection, fabrication techniques, and personalization strategies. These variations would be considered obvious combinations of known techniques in medical device manufacturing and materials science.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,439 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis |