Enhanced Filtering Needle Assembly with Real-Time Fluid Flow Optimization
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved filtering needle assembly that integrates fluid flow sensors and adjustable filtering processes to optimize liquid payload administration, enhancing safety, efficiency, and performance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original Filtering Needle Assembly with Seal Plug patent (PCT/US2022/045475) provided a solution for administering liquid payloads, but its design had limitations in terms of fluid flow control and leakage prevention. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating real-time fluid flow optimization, improved seal plug designs, and enhanced filter performance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Enhanced Filtering Needle Assembly comprises a needle and connector portion with an integrated fluid sensor, a filter needle cap body, a seal plug, and a filter. The fluid sensor detects fluid flow rates and adjusts the filtering process in real-time, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing leakage risks. The seal plug features a flexible, self-sealing material that ensures consistent fluid flow, and the filter design accommodates different fluid types with variable pore sizes. Additionally, the assembly includes a safety feature with a retractable needle design and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental needle exposure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces real-time fluid flow optimization, integrated fluid sensors, and adjustable filtering processes, which are novel and non-obvious improvements over the original patent. The combination of these features provides a significant enhancement in filtering needle assembly performance, safety, and efficiency.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the Enhanced Filtering Needle Assembly could include different sensor technologies, adjustable filter pore sizes, or varying seal plug materials. Variations could also include different needle designs, filter geometries, or fluid flow control mechanisms to accommodate specific liquid payload requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Enhanced Filtering Needle Assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in applications involving liquid payload administration, such as vaccine delivery, pharmaceutical injection, or blood sampling. The inventive concept's ability to optimize fluid flow and minimize leakage risks makes it an attractive solution for healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically needle assembly design for fluid transfer and filtration in medical applications, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and medical device manufacturing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with needle assembly technologies, fluid filtration techniques, and medical device safety standards
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's filtering needle assembly, utilizing known sensor technologies and design modifications that enhance existing functional principles without introducing fundamentally novel technological concepts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,768 |
|---|---|
| Title | Filtering needle assembly with seal plug |
| Assignee(s) | CARRTECH Corp. |