Additive Manufacturing Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to expand into new industries, including furniture, fashion, sports, music, and architecture, enabling the creation of customized products with unique properties.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on additive manufacturing of medical devices, but the technology has broader applicability. The inventive concept addresses the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods in various industries, providing a solution for creating complex, customized products with specific properties.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts the original patent's additive manufacturing system to accommodate diverse industries. The system comprises a filament feeding system capable of handling a wide range of materials and a 3D printing module adapted to create products with unique combinations of properties. The system can concurrently deposit filament materials at varying blend ratios, enabling the creation of customized products with tailored properties. For example, in the furniture industry, the system can create customized components with varying textures, colors, and shapes. Similarly, in the fashion industry, the system can produce bespoke accessories with unique combinations of properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept introduces a new application of the original patent's technology, expanding into diverse industries and enabling the creation of customized products with unique properties. The novelty lies in the adaptation of the additive manufacturing system to accommodate various industries, as well as the ability to concurrently deposit filament materials at varying blend ratios.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the filament feeding system, such as using different types of filament materials or incorporating additional processing steps. Variations could also include adapting the system for use in other industries, such as aerospace or automotive.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential, enabling the creation of customized products with unique properties in various industries. The target markets include furniture, fashion, sports, music, and architecture, with potential applications in other industries as well. The system's ability to produce complex, customized products with specific properties could disrupt traditional manufacturing methods and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M25/0012 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/118 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/209 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/295 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/336 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/393 |
| B | B33 | B33Y10/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y30/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y40/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y50/02 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
| A | A61 | A61N1/05 |
| B | B29 | B29K2995/007 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/7542 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, with expertise in medical device fabrication, materials science, and multi-material printing techniques. Requires advanced understanding of thermoplastic extrusion, material properties, and precision manufacturing processes
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer or technologist with advanced degrees in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering, possessing comprehensive knowledge of 3D printing methodologies, material science, and cross-industry manufacturing techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core additive manufacturing principles disclosed in the source patent are readily adaptable to diverse industrial applications by modifying material selection, deposition parameters, and target product characteristics. The fundamental technological framework of controlled filament deposition, heating cartridge design, and substrate manipulation remains consistent across different industries. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concepts through systematic application of known 3D printing principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,735 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for manufacturing 3D printed medical devices |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |