Enhanced Orthopedic Device with Optimized Positive-Locking Elements

Publication ID: 24-11857446_0006_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Orthopedic Device with Optimized Positive-Locking Elements,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857446_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857446_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,446.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved orthopedic device featuring optimized positive-locking elements with reduced rotational clearance, automatic wear detection, and sensor-based feedback for enhanced user experience and safety.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Orthopedic device', described an orthopedic device with a joint and positive-locking elements. However, the device had limitations, such as inadequate rotational clearance and lack of automatic wear detection. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing optimized positive-locking elements, automatic wear detection, and sensor-based feedback, resulting in an enhanced orthopedic device that provides better support, safety, and user experience.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced orthopedic device comprises a joint with a first joint element and a second joint element, mechanically connected to a first positive-locking element and a second positive-locking element, respectively. The positive-locking elements are configured to engage with each other with a reduced rotational clearance of less than 1°. The device features a safety device that detects wear and tear of the positive-locking elements and automatically adjusts the rotational clearance to ensure optimal engagement. Additionally, the device includes a sensor that detects the force transmitted through the positive-locking elements and provides feedback to the user to optimize the use of the orthopedic device. The guide spindle has a tapered end, engaging with a corresponding recess in the positive-locking element, and is displaceable in the axial direction to optimize the engagement of the positive-locking elements.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the following novel features: reduced rotational clearance of less than 1°, automatic wear detection, and sensor-based feedback. These features are non-obvious compared to the original patent, as they require a deep understanding of the mechanical interactions between the positive-locking elements and the user's body.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different materials or geometries for the positive-locking elements, or integrating additional sensors to detect other parameters, such as temperature or humidity. Variations could also include adapting the device for use in different applications, such as industrial lifting or sports.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced orthopedic device has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and industrial markets, particularly in industries where lifting and bending are common, such as manufacturing, logistics, and construction. The device's improved safety features and user experience could lead to increased adoption and market share.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61F5/0102
A	A61	A61F2005/016
A	A61	A61F2005/0158
A	A61	A61F2005/0165

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Orthopedic support devices, specifically biomechanical joint assistance systems with mechanical locking mechanisms, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and medical device design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with joint mechanics, material science, and ergonomic support systems, capable of understanding complex mechanical interactions and design optimization strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's orthopedic device, utilizing standard mechanical design techniques to enhance positive-locking element performance through incremental modifications that address known limitations in joint mechanical systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Joint with first and second positive-locking elements having frontal projections and recesses

PTD Variation

Reducing rotational clearance to less than 1° and adding a tapered guide spindle for optimized engagement

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would find it obvious to minimize mechanical play in joint systems through precise geometric modifications, as reducing clearance is a standard technique for improving mechanical precision and reducing wear

Source Patent Element

Safety device for rotating positive-locking elements

PTD Variation

Implementing wear detection and automatic rotational clearance adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

Monitoring mechanical component degradation is a known reliability engineering practice, and adapting joint mechanisms to compensate for wear represents a predictable solution within the skill of an ordinary practitioner

Source Patent Element

Orthopedic device with joint elements configured to engage a wearer's body

PTD Variation

Adding force transmission sensors to provide user feedback and optimize device interaction

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensor feedback into biomechanical support devices is a common design approach for improving user experience and device performance, representing an obvious extension of existing technological capabilities

Source Patent Element

Positive-locking elements with undercut toothing

PTD Variation

Implementing alternative material geometries and sensor-based engagement optimization

Obviousness Reasoning

Exploring alternative material configurations and adding intelligent sensing represents a standard design iteration process for mechanical systems, driven by predictable engineering problem-solving approaches

Source Patent Element

Joint mechanism with mechanical interconnection between elements

PTD Variation

Developing automatic wear compensation and precision engagement strategies

Obviousness Reasoning

Enhancing mechanical system reliability through adaptive mechanisms is a well-established engineering practice, representing an obvious solution to known mechanical wear and performance challenges

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857446, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the prior art, employing standard mechanical engineering techniques to incrementally improve orthopedic device performance through predictable design modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field of biomechanical support systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,446
Title	Orthopedic device
Assignee(s)	Ottobock SE & Co. KGAA