Enhanced New Applications & Use Cases Technical Implementation

Publication ID: 24-11858235_0002_PTD

Published: October 29, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced New Applications & Use Cases Technical Implementation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11858235_0002_PTD, Published October 29, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11858235_0002_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,858,235.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved approach to new applications & use cases that builds upon the source patent's technical foundation.

Background and Problem Solved

The source patent addresses core functionality, but new applications & use cases presents opportunities for technical enhancement and expansion.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

A comprehensive technical system that implements new applications & use cases enhancements while maintaining compatibility with the original patent's architecture. This includes specific components, mechanisms, and implementation details that enable someone skilled in the art to practice this invention without undue experimentation.

Novelty and Inventive Step

Introduces new technical features and approaches that were not present in the source patent, specifically targeting new applications & use cases improvements.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Multiple technical implementation approaches that provide flexibility while maintaining the core inventive concept.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

Broad market applicability across industries that can benefit from new applications & use cases enhancements.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Thermal insulation and appliance component design, specifically vacuum insulated structures and trim breaker technologies with expertise in materials engineering, injection molding, and gas permeation mitigation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with advanced knowledge of polymer composites, thermal barrier design, and manufacturing techniques for appliance components, capable of understanding material interactions and design optimization strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A skilled practitioner would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technical principles. The new applications and use cases build directly upon the established vacuum insulated structure framework by implementing known design modification techniques. A PHOSITA would understand that incremental improvements in technical implementation are inherent in the iterative design process for thermal barrier components.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Trim breaker with gas-blocking flakes incorporated throughout a plastic material

PTD Variation

Enhanced composite material incorporating additional functional additives or modified flake geometries

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying filler materials is a routine design optimization technique for a PHOSITA, with predictable results in gas permeation reduction and material performance

Source Patent Element

Injection molded trim breaker with metallic plate surrounded by plastic material

PTD Variation

Alternative manufacturing approaches maintaining core structural configuration with modified material processing techniques

Obviousness Reasoning

Manufacturing process variations are considered obvious design choices within standard engineering problem-solving methodologies

Source Patent Element

Vacuum insulated structure with perimetric wrapper and liner channels

PTD Variation

Extended architectural configurations exploring alternative channel geometries and connection mechanisms

Obviousness Reasoning

Geometric variations in thermal barrier components represent predictable design iterations well within a skilled practitioner's capabilities

Source Patent Element

Metallic insert for decreased gas permeation

PTD Variation

Alternative material compositions and insert configurations targeting improved thermal and gas barrier performance

Obviousness Reasoning

Material selection and geometric optimization are standard engineering approaches for incremental technological improvement

Source Patent Element

Trim breaker with homogenous material composition

PTD Variation

Enhanced material formulations exploring expanded functional additive combinations

Obviousness Reasoning

Composite material development through systematic additive exploration represents a predictable technological progression

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the comprehensive teachings of US Patent 11858235, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art, rendering potential derivative patent claims anticipated and lacking non-obvious technical merit. The systematic exploration of design modifications represents routine engineering problem-solving within the established technological framework of vacuum insulated structural components.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,858,235
Title	Trim breaker having metallic insert for decreased gas permeation
Assignee(s)	Whirlpool Corporation