Smart Soil Management System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel system utilizing subcutaneous implantable devices with non-homogenous matrices to monitor and control soil moisture levels, optimize crop yields, and improve water conservation in agricultural fields and urban landscaping.
Background and Problem Solved
Current methods for soil moisture monitoring and control are often inefficient, leading to overwatering, water waste, and reduced crop yields. The original medical implant patent, while effective in addressing the issue of initial drug 'burst' in medical implants, did not consider applications in agriculture. This inventive concept addresses the need for a more efficient and targeted approach to soil management, leveraging the core technology of the original patent.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Smart Soil Management System consists of subcutaneous implantable devices adapted for subterranean deployment, featuring a matrix with a non-homogenous mixture of at least two different types of materials for releasing water and nutrients to the soil. These devices can be implanted in agricultural fields, greenhouses, or urban landscaping to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust the release of water and nutrients accordingly. The system can be used to optimize crop yields, detect and prevent fungal growth, and improve water conservation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the original patent's core technology to the field of agriculture, providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of inefficient soil management. The use of subcutaneous implantable devices with non-homogenous matrices in soil management is unprecedented and offers a significant improvement over existing methods.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the Smart Soil Management System could include devices with varying matrix compositions, sizes, and shapes to accommodate different soil types, crops, and environmental conditions. Variations could also include integration with other agricultural technologies, such as precision farming tools or drones, to further enhance the system's efficiency and effectiveness.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Smart Soil Management System has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, with potential applications in precision agriculture, crop yield optimization, and water conservation. The market for this technology is vast, with potential customers including farmers, agricultural companies, and government agencies focused on sustainable agriculture and water management.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K9/0024 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/4468 |
| A | A61 | A61K31/485 |
| A | A61 | A61K45/06 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and drug delivery systems, with expertise in implantable matrix technologies for controlled substance release, encompassing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree (MS/PhD) in biomedical engineering, materials science, or pharmaceutical sciences, having 3-5 years experience designing controlled-release implantable devices, familiar with matrix composition techniques and cross-domain technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principles of non-homogenous matrix drug delivery are directly transferable across technical domains, with the agricultural application representing a predictable extension of the original medical implant technology. The core innovation of controlled substance release through matrix engineering remains consistent between medical and agricultural contexts. The technical mechanisms for modulating release rates and preventing burst effects are substantively identical when applied to water/nutrient delivery versus pharmaceutical compounds.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,671 |
|---|---|
| Title | Medical implant |