Adaptive Surface Cleaning Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original wound cleansing apparatus to develop novel applications for cleaning and purifying various surfaces and materials, addressing unmet needs in water purification, oil spill cleanup, surface cleaning, agricultural equipment maintenance, and medical instrument sterilization.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's wound cleansing apparatus, while effective for wound treatment, has limitations in terms of its adaptability to other industries and applications. This inventive concept addresses the need for a versatile, effective, and efficient cleaning technology that can be applied to diverse surfaces and materials, solving the problem of inadequate cleaning and purification in various fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a conformable membrane or dressing, a cleansing means, and a vacuum source. The membrane or dressing is designed to selectively remove impurities, dirt, debris, and bacteria from various surfaces, while retaining beneficial materials. The cleansing means can be adapted to different applications, such as filtering contaminated water or removing oil from spills. The vacuum source facilitates the removal of unwanted materials, ensuring efficient and effective cleaning. The inventive concept can be implemented in various forms, including systems for water purification, oil spill cleanup, surface cleaning, agricultural equipment maintenance, and medical instrument sterilization.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of wound cleansing technology to entirely new fields, leveraging the core technology's adaptability and versatility. The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to selectively remove unwanted materials while retaining beneficial ones, addressing specific challenges in various industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different membrane materials, varying vacuum pressures, or modified cleansing means. Additionally, the concept could be adapted for use in other industries, such as food processing, aerospace, or construction, further expanding its commercial potential.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive surface cleaning technology has vast commercial potential, with applications in water purification, oil spill cleanup, surface cleaning, agricultural equipment maintenance, and medical instrument sterilization. The target markets include industries related to environmental remediation, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, offering a significant opportunity for growth and revenue generation.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M3/0229 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/00068 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/0206 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/0213 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/0216 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/0259 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/77 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/81 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/82 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/85 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/915 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/92 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/962 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/985 |
| A | A61 | A61M3/022 |
| A | A61 | A61M3/0216 |
| A | A61 | A61M35/30 |
| A | A61 | A61F2013/00357 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/75 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/772 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/916 |
| A | A61 | A61M27/00 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/075 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/106 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/7518 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/8206 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T29/49826 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology, specifically wound treatment and surface cleaning systems involving negative pressure apparatus, membrane filtration, and selective material removal techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in wound care technologies, fluid management systems, and surface cleaning techniques, holding at least a bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of practical experience in medical device design and fluid filtration technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principles of selective material removal and negative pressure application disclosed in the source patent as readily adaptable to multiple surface cleaning and filtration contexts. The core technological concept of using a conformable membrane with selective permeability and a vacuum/pressure system is fundamentally transferable across different application domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the wound cleansing apparatus's core technological principles to alternative fields through straightforward technological translation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,746 |
|---|---|
| Title | Wound cleansing apparatus in-situ |
| Assignee(s) | Smith & Nephew PLC |