Adaptable Drive Assemblies for Niche Drug Delivery Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A drive assembly and method for delivering fluids in specialized environments, addressing high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, remote areas, and high-altitude environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a drive assembly for a drug delivery system, but it lacked adaptability for unique operational environments. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing specialized variations of the drive assembly and method to cater to specific niche markets.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a drive assembly with a plunger member, biasing member, and housing, adapted for specific environments. For high-security facilities, the drive assembly includes a biometric authentication mechanism. For disaster relief, a portable drug delivery system with a hand-cranked power source and temperature control system is used. In extreme weather conditions, a waterproof and shock-resistant housing, thermal insulation layer, and freeze-resistant valve are employed. For remote or rural areas, a solar-powered biasing member, manual override mechanism, and built-in GPS tracker are integrated. In high-altitude environments, a pressure-compensating mechanism, high-pressure resistant material, and altitude-adjusting feature are utilized.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the drive assembly and method, addressing specific niche markets, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the tailored design and integration of components to meet the unique requirements of each environment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments could include drive assemblies with advanced encryption, remote monitoring capabilities, or modular designs for easy customization. Variations could also incorporate different power sources, such as wind-up or kinetic energy harvesting.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable drive assemblies and methods have potential applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. The target markets include high-security facilities, disaster relief organizations, extreme weather responders, remote healthcare providers, and high-altitude research institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically drug delivery systems and injection technologies, with expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and biomedical device integration
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 5-7 years of experience in medical device design, familiar with injection technologies, mechanical actuation systems, and environmental adaptation strategies for medical devices
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental drive assembly design provides a flexible framework for environmental adaptations. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions that address specific use case constraints by applying known techniques of mechanical and electronic modification. The core injection mechanism remains substantially unchanged, with modifications representing standard design optimization strategies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,769 |
|---|---|
| Title | Drive assembly and spacer for drug delivery system |
| Assignee(s) | Becton, Dickinson and Company |