Systems and Methods for Additive Manufacturing in Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept expands the core technology of additive manufacturing from golf club production to various industries, enabling the creation of customized products with improved durability, weight reduction, and structural integrity.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed additive manufacturing for golf clubs, but its limitations included being confined to a specific industry. This new concept addresses the problem of restricted applicability by exploring novel uses of additive manufacturing in diverse fields, such as healthcare, aerospace, footwear, and sports equipment.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves the adaptation of additive manufacturing techniques to create customized products with lattice structures, optimized for specific industries. For instance, in prosthetic limbs, the lattice structure mimics natural bone growth patterns, while in aerospace components, it is optimized for weight reduction and improved structural integrity. Similarly, in footwear, the lattice portion provides customized arch support and cushioning, and in sports equipment, it enhances impact resistance and durability.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the core additive manufacturing technology to entirely new industries, thereby providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of limited applicability. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for additive manufacturing to transform various fields beyond golf club production.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments of this inventive concept could include the use of different materials, such as metals, polymers, or ceramics, and varying lattice structures to accommodate diverse industry requirements. Additionally, the concept could be extended to other industries, such as automotive, energy, or consumer products.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has vast commercial potential, as it enables the creation of customized products with improved performance, durability, and sustainability. The target industries include healthcare, aerospace, footwear, sports equipment, and others, with potential market sizes in the billions of dollars.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B53/04 |
| B | B23 | B23K26/342 |
| B | B33 | B33Y40/20 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/047 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0412 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0466 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/0487 |
| A | A63 | A63B53/08 |
| A | A63 | A63B2053/0491 |
| A | A63 | A63B2209/00 |
| B | B22 | B22F10/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Additive Manufacturing and Sports Equipment Design, with expertise in 3D printing techniques, material science, and structural optimization for performance equipment
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced engineering degree, knowledge of CAD design, materials engineering, and experience in applying additive manufacturing techniques across multiple industries, familiar with structural optimization and lattice design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core additive manufacturing principles demonstrated in the golf club patent can be systematically translated across different industries by applying consistent design methodologies. The fundamental techniques of creating customized lattice structures with optimized mechanical properties are transferable, representing a predictable extension of existing manufacturing technologies. The variations disclosed in the PTD represent logical adaptations of known additive manufacturing principles to solve domain-specific engineering challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,848 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
| Assignee(s) | Cobra Golf Incorporated |