Stimulation Systems for Extreme Environments and Niche Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts implantable stimulation devices for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, addressing the limitations of existing stimulators in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, and high-altitude settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed implantable stimulators for general therapeutic applications, but these devices may not be suitable for extreme or specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by developing stimulation systems tailored to these specific niches, ensuring reliable and effective treatment in challenging conditions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses four specialized stimulation systems: (1) a weather-resistant system for extreme weather conditions, (2) a secure, encrypted system for high-security environments, (3) a portable, battery-powered system for disaster relief, and (4) a system adapted for high-altitude environments. Each system features a wireless stimulation device with customized components, such as weather-resistant enclosures, secure communication protocols, and low-pressure, low-oxygen operating capabilities.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel, non-obvious adaptations of implantable stimulation devices for specific, niche applications, which were not anticipated by the original patent. These adaptations provide a unique combination of features that enable reliable and effective treatment in extreme or specialized environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include stimulation systems for other specialized environments, such as underwater or space exploration applications. Variations may also involve different types of stimulation, such as optical or ultrasound-based stimulation, tailored to specific therapeutic needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The market for specialized stimulation systems is expected to grow as the need for effective treatment in extreme environments increases.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically implantable medical devices for neural stimulation, with expertise in wireless power transmission, electrode array design, and medical device miniaturization
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, experience in medical device design, understanding of wireless power transfer, neural stimulation techniques, and ability to adapt existing technologies to specialized medical environments
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental wireless stimulation device design provides a flexible platform for environmental adaptation. The core technological principles of wireless power, electrode arrays, and implantable stimulation remain consistent across the PTD's variations. A PHOSITA would understand that modifying enclosure materials, communication protocols, and power systems represents predictable engineering variations within the established technological framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,796 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stimulation with electrode arrays |
| Assignee(s) | Curonix LLC |