Advanced Filter Assembly for Enhanced Insufflation System Performance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved filter assembly for insufflation systems, featuring optimized gas flow, enhanced filter efficiency, and advanced monitoring and control capabilities to provide safer and more efficient medical gas delivery.
Background and Problem Solved
The original filter assembly patent has limitations in terms of gas flow resistance, filter efficiency, and bacterial growth. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a unique housing geometry, integrating sensors and valves, and incorporating antimicrobial coatings to improve overall performance and safety.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced filter assembly comprises a filter medium operative to filter medical gases and a housing with an inlet, outlet, and filter medium. The housing is designed with a unique geometry to minimize gas flow resistance and improve filter efficiency. The filter assembly is integrated with a sensor to monitor gas flow and pressure, and automatically adjust the filter medium to optimize gas delivery. Additionally, the filter medium is treated with an antimicrobial coating to reduce bacterial growth. The filter assembly can be easily cleaned and replaced due to its detachable design.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as the unique housing geometry, sensor integration, and antimicrobial coatings, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent. These features are non-obvious and provide a distinct advantage in terms of performance, safety, and efficiency.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the housing geometry, using different types of sensors or valves, or incorporating additional features such as temperature control or gas mixing capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced filter assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of laparoscopic surgery, cardiac surgery, and patient care. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M13/003 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0875 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/106 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/1095 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/161 |
| A | A61 | A61M2202/0225 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3327 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3331 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3334 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3368 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3569 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3653 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/7527 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/7536 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device filtration systems, specifically insufflation gas filtration for surgical applications, requiring expertise in medical engineering, fluid dynamics, filtration technologies, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in respiratory/surgical equipment design, familiar with gas filtration principles, medical device standards, and surgical insufflation system requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental filter assembly design. The proposed modifications such as sensor integration, antimicrobial coatings, and optimized housing geometry are logical extensions of existing insufflation filter technology that would be apparent to someone skilled in medical device engineering. These variations solve known challenges in gas filtration and delivery while using standard design techniques within the field.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,719 |
|---|---|
| Title | Filter assembly |
| Assignee(s) | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |