Synergistic Anti-Microbial Coating System for Prosthetic Implants
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An integrated system combining advanced anti-microbial coatings with AI, IoT, blockchain, and MEMS technologies to enhance the performance, monitoring, and maintenance of prosthetic implants.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants. However, it lacked a comprehensive system for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the coating's effectiveness. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by integrating distinct technologies to create a more powerful system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The synergistic system comprises an anti-microbial coating produced using the method of claim 1, integrated with IoT-enabled sensors to monitor the coating's effectiveness, and a blockchain-based data storage system to record and track the implant's history. Additionally, AI-driven predictive modeling can be used to optimize coating conditions, and MEMS sensors can detect changes in the coating's properties over time. The system enables remote monitoring and maintenance, ensuring the implant's performance and longevity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel combinations of technologies, including AI, IoT, blockchain, and MEMS, which were not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to create a more powerful and comprehensive system for anti-microbial coatings on prosthetic implants.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as optical or acoustic sensors, or integrating the system with other medical devices, such as pacemakers or implantable sensors. Variations may also include using different AI algorithms or blockchain protocols to optimize the system's performance and security.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The synergistic anti-microbial coating system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly for prosthetic implants, surgical instruments, and other medical equipment. The system's ability to enhance performance, monitoring, and maintenance can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase market share for manufacturers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L27/303 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/06 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/54 |
| A | A61 | A61L2300/404 |
| A | A61 | A61L2400/18 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically anti-microbial coating technologies for prosthetic implants, involving surface modification techniques, materials science, and biomedical engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or materials scientist with expertise in surface modification, plasma treatment, coating technologies, and medical device design, holding at least a Master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in implant surface engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating monitoring technologies with anti-microbial coatings represents a predictable extension of existing medical device innovation. The source patent's fundamental coating method provides a clear technical foundation for enhanced monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. The proposed variations leverage well-established technologies in IoT, AI, and sensor integration that are commonly applied in medical device contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,695 |
|---|---|
| Title | Anti-microbial coating for objects such as prosthetic implants |
| Assignee(s) | National University of Ireland, Galway |