Intelligent Medical Device Manufacturing Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The disclosure relates to innovative systems and methods for manufacturing 3D printed medical devices, integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create customized, high-performance devices with enhanced biocompatibility, lubricity, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed additive manufacturing systems for medical devices, but lacked advanced technologies for customization, real-time monitoring, and supply chain management. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating AI-optimized filament selection, IoT sensors, blockchain-based supply chain management, and novel materials to create more effective and efficient medical devices.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept integrates multiple technologies to create a comprehensive medical device manufacturing system. The system comprises a blockchain-based supply chain management module for tracking and authenticating raw materials, an AI-optimized filament selection algorithm for producing medical devices with unique properties, IoT sensors for real-time monitoring and control, and novel composite materials with integrated AI-powered sensors. The system enables the creation of customized implantable stimulation leads, catheters, and other medical devices with enhanced performance, biocompatibility, and patient safety.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel combinations of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent's additive manufacturing systems. The integration of these technologies enables real-time monitoring, customization, and supply chain management, making the inventive concept non-obvious and novel.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the type of AI algorithm used, incorporating different IoT connectivity protocols, or utilizing alternative novel materials. Additionally, the system could be adapted for manufacturing other types of medical devices, such as implantable sensors or surgical instruments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopedic devices. The system's ability to create customized, high-performance devices with enhanced biocompatibility and real-time monitoring capabilities could revolutionize the industry, providing improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
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
Medical Device Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing, specifically focusing on 3D printing of medical devices like catheters and implantable leads. Requires expertise in materials science, manufacturing engineering, medical device design, and advanced manufacturing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degree, experience in medical device manufacturing, knowledge of 3D printing techniques, familiarity with materials engineering, and understanding of emerging technologies like AI and IoT in manufacturing contexts
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into existing additive manufacturing processes for medical devices represents a predictable evolution of the source patent's core manufacturing methodology. The fundamental manufacturing techniques remain consistent, with technological enhancements providing incremental improvements in monitoring, customization, and quality control. These variations represent logical extensions of existing manufacturing paradigms using well-understood technological integration strategies.
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. |