Enhanced Filtering Needle Assembly with Advanced Seal Plug Designs
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced filtering needle assembly offers improved safety, efficiency, and reliability by introducing advanced seal plug designs, reinforced proximal ends, hydrophobic coatings, variable diameters, integrated fluid sensors, and detachable filter cartridges, addressing the limitations of the original filtering needle assembly.
Background and Problem Solved
The original filtering needle assembly with seal plug (PCT/US2022/045475) had limitations in terms of hub damage, liquid leakage, and filter clogging. The new inventive concept solves these problems by incorporating innovative designs and features that enhance the overall performance and user experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced filtering needle assembly comprises a needle and connector portion with a reinforced proximal end, featuring a protective sleeve to reduce wear and tear. The seal plug is designed with a variable diameter along its length, providing a snug fit with the filter needle cap body and reducing the risk of leakage. Additionally, the seal plug may be coated with a hydrophobic material to prevent liquid from entering the seal plug. The assembly may also include an integrated fluid sensor to detect the presence or absence of fluid and provide an alert to the user. Furthermore, a detachable filter cartridge allows for easy replacement and reduces waste.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce non-obvious advancements over the original patent, including the reinforced proximal end, hydrophobic coating, variable diameter seal plug, integrated fluid sensor, and detachable filter cartridge. These features provide a significant improvement in the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the filtering needle assembly.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different materials for the reinforced proximal end or the hydrophobic coating, or incorporating additional sensors or indicators to enhance the user experience. The detachable filter cartridge could be designed with different filter types or sizes to accommodate various liquid payloads.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced filtering needle assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, particularly in applications involving liquid payloads, such as vaccine administration, blood sampling, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The improved safety, efficiency, and reliability of the assembly make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to enhance their product offerings and improve user experience.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically needle assembly design for medical fluid transfer and filtration systems, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and medical device manufacturing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 3-5 years of experience in medical device design, familiar with needle assembly technologies, fluid transfer mechanisms, and standard medical device manufacturing techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the proposed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the existing filtering needle assembly design. The modifications address known limitations in medical device design such as wear resistance, fluid contamination prevention, and user safety. The technical solutions proposed are consistent with standard problem-solving approaches in medical device engineering and represent incremental rather than breakthrough innovations.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,768 |
|---|---|
| Title | Filtering needle assembly with seal plug |
| Assignee(s) | CARRTECH Corp. |