Adaptable Sealing Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original medical connector assembly patent to provide adaptable, secure, and reliable sealing solutions for various industries, including drone payload compartments, electronic components, fuel cell systems, cleanroom environments, and robotic arms.
Background and Problem Solved
The original medical connector assembly patent addressed the need for a secure and reliable closure mechanism in medical dispensers. However, the problem of ensuring secure connections and preventing contamination or damage is not unique to the medical field. Various industries face similar challenges, and the original patent's limitations did not consider these alternative applications. This new inventive concept addresses the problem of providing adaptable sealing solutions for diverse industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a closure assembly with a tip cap made of an elastomeric material, which can be operatively disposed in enclosing relation to a port or opening in various industries. The tip cap's flexibility enables it to be forced into sealing engagement with the port upon an appropriate clamping or deformation force being exerted on the exterior. This adaptable sealing technology can be applied to drone payload compartments to secure sensitive cargo, protect electronic components from environmental factors, seal fuel cell systems, prevent contamination in cleanroom environments, and seal robotic arms' end effectors.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the core technology, which were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the original technology to address similar problems in diverse industries and adapting the design to accommodate these new applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the material composition or design of the tip cap to accommodate specific industry requirements. For example, using a more durable material for fuel cell systems or a specialized coating for cleanroom environments. Additionally, the closure assembly could be integrated into existing systems or designed as a standalone component.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable sealing technology has significant commercial potential in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, energy, pharmaceuticals, and robotics. The target market includes companies seeking reliable and secure sealing solutions for their products and systems.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M39/1011 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/5086 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/20 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/1066 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device connectors and sealing technologies, with expertise in elastomeric sealing mechanisms, port connection systems, and adaptable closure assemblies across medical, industrial, and precision engineering domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer or technician with advanced knowledge of materials science, mechanical design, and sealing technologies, capable of understanding flexible material properties and cross-industry adaptation of sealing principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental sealing mechanism of an elastomeric tip cap with flexible deformation characteristics is readily transferable across different technical domains. The core principle of creating a secure, adaptable seal through controlled mechanical deformation remains consistent regardless of the specific application context. The variations presented in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological concept, applying known sealing principles to alternative industrial environments.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,751 |
|---|---|
| Title | Assembly for a medical connector |
| Assignee(s) | INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INDUSTRIES INC. |