Adaptive Lacrimal Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts the original lacrimal system for drug delivery to cater to specific, high-demand environments, ensuring effective treatment in extreme conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original lacrimal system, while effective in general settings, falls short in addressing the unique challenges posed by high-altitude, desert, disaster relief, high-security, and extreme weather environments. This new concept addresses these limitations by incorporating specialized features to ensure optimal performance in these niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a lacrimal system with a reservoir balloon, tube, and flow-limiting plug, tailored to operate effectively in specific environments. For high-altitude use, the system regulates fluid flow based on ambient air pressure. In desert climates, a protective sleeve and flexible under-wire bracing structure ensure the system's integrity. For disaster relief, a portable, compact design enables emergency medication delivery. In high-security settings, biometric authentication verifies user identity before dispensing medication. Finally, in extreme weather conditions, a thermal insulation layer maintains a consistent medication temperature.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features, such as ambient air pressure regulation, protective sleeves, manual pumps, biometric authentication, and thermal insulation, which are non-obvious and distinct from the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include adjusting the flow-limiting plug's material properties for varying environmental conditions, incorporating additional sensors for real-time monitoring, or developing specialized medication compositions for specific environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as aerospace, defense, disaster relief, and pharmaceuticals, where effective drug delivery in niche environments is crucial.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F9/00772 |
| A | A61 | A61F9/0017 |
| A | A61 | A61M37/00 |
| A | A61 | A61M31/002 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering focused on ophthalmic drug delivery systems, specifically lacrimal system interventions with expertise in fluid management, biomedical materials, and environmental adaptation technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in bioengineering, experience in drug delivery system design, understanding of environmental constraints on medical technologies, and familiarity with adaptive medical device configurations
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental lacrimal drug delivery system provides a flexible technological platform that can be readily adapted to specific environmental conditions. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications that address known challenges in drug delivery across different operational contexts. These adaptations leverage standard design techniques like protective structures, flow regulation mechanisms, and authentication systems that are well-established in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,461 |
|---|---|
| Title | Lacrimal system for drug delivery |
| Assignee(s) | The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate |