Advanced Filter Assembly for Insufflation Systems with Enhanced Performance and Safety Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved filter assembly for insufflation systems, incorporating innovative features such as self-cleaning mechanisms, pressure sensors, temperature control systems, and moisture-sensing systems to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original filter assembly patent has limitations in terms of filter medium maintenance, gas pressure monitoring, and temperature control. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that improve the overall functionality and reliability of the filter assembly in insufflation systems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced filter assembly comprises a filter medium operative to filter medical gases, and incorporates one or more of the following features: a self-cleaning mechanism for removing contaminants from the filter medium, a pressure sensor for monitoring gas pressure, a temperature control system for regulating the temperature of the filtered gases, and a moisture-sensing system for detecting humidity levels in the filtered gases. These features enhance the performance and safety of the filter assembly, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of medical gases to patients.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that are not present in the original patent, including the self-cleaning mechanism, pressure sensor, temperature control system, and moisture-sensing system. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of the filter assembly.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the advanced filter assembly may include variations in the design and implementation of the self-cleaning mechanism, pressure sensor, temperature control system, and moisture-sensing system. For example, the self-cleaning mechanism could be implemented using ultrasonic cleaning, chemical cleaning, or other methods. The pressure sensor could be replaced with a flow sensor or a pressure gauge. The temperature control system could be implemented using heating elements, cooling elements, or thermoelectric devices. The moisture-sensing system could be replaced with a humidity sensor or a dew point sensor.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced filter assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of insufflation systems. The innovative features of the filter assembly could be marketed as a premium product, offering enhanced performance, safety, and efficiency to medical professionals and patients. 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 device design, fluid dynamics, filtration technologies, and surgical equipment engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with surgical insufflation systems, filtration technologies, and medical gas handling protocols
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that enhancing filter assemblies with monitoring and self-maintenance features represents a predictable technological progression in medical device design. The proposed variations address known limitations in existing insufflation filter systems by introducing intelligent monitoring and maintenance capabilities. These extensions represent logical engineering improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize medical gas filtration performance and patient safety.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,719 |
|---|---|
| Title | Filter assembly |
| Assignee(s) | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |