Secure and Specialized 3D Printed Medical Devices for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts 3D printing technology for manufacturing medical devices in high-security environments, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and underwater use, ensuring reliable and customized medical devices for specific niche markets.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for manufacturing 3D printed medical devices, but it did not address the unique challenges and requirements of specialized environments. The new inventive concept solves the problem of limited accessibility and customization of medical devices in these niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a range of specialized additive manufacturing systems and methods tailored to specific environments. For high-security environments, the system includes a secure additive manufacturing chamber and a secure filament supply system to prevent unauthorized access. For disaster relief scenarios, the method involves deploying a portable additive manufacturing system and using locally-sourced materials. For extreme weather conditions, the system features a weather-resistant additive manufacturing enclosure and a temperature-controlled filament supply system. For high-altitude environments, the method uses a specialized additive manufacturing system that compensates for the effects of high altitude. For underwater use, the system includes a waterproof additive manufacturing enclosure and a specialized filament supply system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel and non-obvious adaptations of 3D printing technology to address the specific challenges of niche environments, providing a significant improvement over the original patent's general-purpose manufacturing systems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of secure filament supply systems, incorporating additional sensors for environmental monitoring, or integrating the additive manufacturing system with other medical devices or equipment.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, aerospace, and marine exploration, where customized and reliable medical devices are crucial for successful operations.
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 of medical devices, specifically 3D printing techniques for fabricating specialized medical equipment like catheters and implantable leads, requiring expertise in materials science, manufacturing engineering, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering degree, experience in medical device manufacturing, knowledge of 3D printing technologies, understanding of material properties, and ability to adapt manufacturing processes to specific environmental constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental 3D printing methodology for medical devices provides a clear technological foundation that can be systematically adapted to specialized environmental conditions. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of existing additive manufacturing principles, applying known engineering techniques to address specific operational challenges. These adaptations would be considered routine problem-solving within the field of medical device manufacturing.
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. |