Modular Catheter System for Non-Medical Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857736_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Catheter System for Non-Medical Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857736_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857736_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,736.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept leverages the modular catheter system technology to expand its utility beyond medical devices, applying its core principles to various non-medical industries such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and precision farming.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Modular medical device catheter system,' provides a versatile adapter design for modifying or expanding the functionality of medical devices. However, its scope is limited to medical applications. The new inventive concept addresses the need to apply this core technology to entirely different industries, fields, or problems, unlocking new possibilities and value.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept adapts the modular catheter system for non-medical use cases, such as monitoring water quality, detecting water contaminants, precision irrigation, and monitoring soil health. The adapter, a key component, is configured to convert or augment sensors and devices for use in aquatic, subterranean, or agricultural environments. This modular design enables the integration of various sensors, materials, and mechanisms to address specific challenges in these industries.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the modular catheter system to non-medical industries, introducing a paradigm shift in the way sensors and devices are designed, integrated, and used in these fields. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for this technology to be adapted and expanded beyond its original medical context.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adapting the modular catheter system for use in other non-medical industries, such as industrial process monitoring, infrastructure inspection, or environmental remediation. Variations could include modifying the adapter's design, materials, or mechanisms to accommodate different sensor types, operating conditions, or deployment scenarios.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular catheter system for non-medical applications has significant commercial potential, particularly in industries where sensor integration, precision, and adaptability are critical. Target markets include environmental monitoring, agriculture, and precision farming, with potential applications in industrial process monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and environmental remediation.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61M25/0052
A A61 A61M25/0069
A A61 A61M25/1011
A A61 A61M25/0097

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically catheter and adapter systems with a focus on modular design for sensor integration and environmental deployment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with expertise in medical device design, sensor integration, and adaptive modular systems, familiar with cross-industry technology transfer principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core modular adapter technology disclosed in the source patent can be readily adapted to non-medical sensing applications by substituting medical sensors with environmental sensors while maintaining the fundamental structural and functional principles of the original modular design. The technical mechanisms for attachment, extension, and sensor integration are fundamentally consistent across medical and non-medical contexts. The PTD represents a predictable application of known modular system design principles to alternative technical domains.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Adapter mechanism configured to couple with a catheter and extend along its outer surface
PTD Variation
Adapting the attachment mechanism to connect environmental sensors for water quality monitoring or soil analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design transfer using known modular coupling techniques, with sensor substitution representing a routine design modification
Source Patent Element
Elongated element attached through an attachment mechanism with variable diameter
PTD Variation
Implementing similar attachment principles for precision agricultural sensing devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying established medical device adapter principles to agricultural sensing represents a straightforward technological translation
Source Patent Element
Lumen engagement and attachment configuration for medical catheters
PTD Variation
Repurposing the attachment mechanism for underwater and underground sensor deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
The fundamental structural principles of engagement and positioning are consistent across different environmental contexts
Source Patent Element
Modular system allowing conversion and augmentation of device functionality
PTD Variation
Expanding device capabilities through adaptable sensor integration in non-medical domains
Obviousness Reasoning
The core inventive concept of modular system design enables predictable technological adaptation across different technical fields
Source Patent Element
Slender element extending along an outer surface of a medical device
PTD Variation
Implementing similar extension mechanisms for environmental monitoring devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Structural design principles are transferable across technological domains with minimal inventive complexity
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857736, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed non-medical modular sensing system variations to be obvious extensions of the source patent's fundamental adapter and catheter design principles. The technical variations represent predictable applications of known modular system design techniques, with sensor substitution and environmental context modification constituting routine engineering adaptations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,736
TitleModular medical device catheter system
Assignee(s)COVELLUS LLC