Specialized 3D Printing Systems for Niche Medical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to adapted 3D printing systems and methods for manufacturing medical devices tailored to specific, high-stakes environments, including high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and space exploration.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed additive manufacturing systems for producing medical devices, but these systems lacked the specialized features and capabilities required for niche applications. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing adapted 3D printing systems and methods that cater to the unique demands of these specialized environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a range of adapted 3D printing systems and methods, including a secure data transmission module for encrypting design files, a portable additive manufacturing system with compact filament storage and rapid prototyping modules, a specialized filament feeder module for handling high-viscosity materials, and a zero-gravity additive manufacturing system with a specialized material handling module. These adaptations enable the production of medical devices with customized properties for high-stakes environments, such as catheters with unique identifier markers, hydrophobic coatings, and temperature-resistant materials.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces novel adaptations to 3D printing systems and methods that are specifically designed for niche medical applications, providing a unique combination of features and capabilities that are not present in the original patent. The inventive concept's focus on high-stakes environments and specialized properties of medical devices constitutes a non-obvious and innovative step beyond the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adapted 3D printing systems for other specialized environments, such as underwater or high-radiation environments. Variations of the inventive concept could also include the integration of additional features, such as real-time monitoring or AI-assisted design optimization, to further enhance the capabilities of the adapted 3D printing systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of high-stakes medical applications, such as disaster relief, space exploration, and high-security needs. The adapted 3D printing systems and methods could be marketed to medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and research institutions, offering a unique solution for producing customized medical devices that cater to the specific demands of these niche environments.
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, specifically additive manufacturing (3D printing) of medical devices like catheters and implantable leads, encompassing materials science, mechanical engineering, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in 3D printing technologies, medical device engineering, materials selection, and manufacturing process optimization, typically holding an advanced degree in biomedical engineering or a related field with 3-5 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's 3D printing methodology, applying known design adaptation techniques to specialized medical device manufacturing environments. The core 3D printing principles remain consistent, with the PTD merely introducing context-specific modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize device manufacturing for unique operational conditions.
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. |