Enhanced Strap Attachment and Orthopedic Device
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved strap attachment assembly and orthopedic device incorporating dynamic adjustment, self-tightening, and monitoring features to enhance user comfort, safety, and convenience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a strap attachment assembly for orthopedic devices, which, while effective, had limitations in terms of strap tension adjustment, wear and tear monitoring, and cleaning maintenance. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that improve the overall user experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced strap attachment assembly features a pivotable cable segment, allowing for real-time adjustment of strap tension in response to changes in user anatomy. Additionally, a sensor-based system detects user movement and adjusts the strap attachment accordingly. A self-tightening mechanism utilizing a spring-loaded design ensures optimal strap tension. Furthermore, a monitoring system tracks strap wear and tear, providing notifications for replacement. The detachable cable segment enables easy cleaning and maintenance of the orthopedic device.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel combination of features that overcome the limitations of the original patent. The pivotable cable segment, sensor-based adjustment, self-tightening mechanism, and monitoring system provide a significant improvement over the prior art, demonstrating a non-obvious inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the type of sensor used, incorporating additional adjustment mechanisms, or integrating the monitoring system with other orthopedic device features. Variations may also include applying the inventive concept to other types of devices beyond orthopedic devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced strap attachment assembly and orthopedic device have significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the areas of sports medicine, rehabilitation, and post-operative care. The improved user experience, increased safety, and reduced maintenance costs make this inventive concept attractive to manufacturers and users alike.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F5/0125 |
| A | A61 | A61F2005/0144 |
| A | A61 | A61F2005/0167 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic device design and biomechanical engineering, focusing on strap attachment mechanisms for supportive medical devices, with expertise in mechanical coupling, material science, and adaptive ergonomic systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in orthopedic device development, familiar with adaptive attachment mechanisms, sensor integration, and biomechanical adjustment technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering extensions of the source patent's core strap attachment methodology. The fundamental cable-based attachment concept remains consistent, with incremental improvements in dynamic adjustment and monitoring that would be considered routine design optimization in orthopedic device engineering. The sensor-based and self-tightening mechanisms represent logical technological progressions using well-established techniques in adaptive medical device design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,450 |
|---|---|
| Title | Strap attachment and orthopedic device using the same |
| Assignee(s) | Ossur Iceland ehf |