Enhanced Synergistic Combinations Technical Implementation

Publication ID: 24-11858547_0003_PTD

Published: October 30, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Synergistic Combinations Technical Implementation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11858547_0003_PTD, Published October 30, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11858547_0003_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. 11,858,547.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved approach to synergistic combinations that builds upon the source patent's technical foundation.

Background and Problem Solved

The source patent addresses core functionality, but synergistic combinations presents opportunities for technical enhancement and expansion.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

A comprehensive technical system that implements synergistic combinations 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 synergistic combinations 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 synergistic combinations enhancements.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
B	B62	B62D1/185
B	B62	B62D1/184
F	F16	F16C3/035
F	F16	F16C29/046
F	F16	F16C2326/24

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Automotive steering systems and mechanical shaft assemblies, with expertise in mechanical design, materials engineering, and precision component manufacturing for vehicle steering mechanisms

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in automotive drivetrain and steering system design, familiar with mechanical tolerancing, material selection, and shaft assembly techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's synergistic combinations represent predictable technical extensions of the source patent's steering shaft assembly design. The disclosed variations leverage known mechanical engineering principles of component optimization and design flexibility. The technical improvements represent incremental advancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner examining the original patent's structural and functional framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

First shaft defining a cavity and bearing raceway

PTD Variation

Enhanced shaft geometry with modified raceway configurations to improve load distribution

Obviousness Reasoning

Raceway design optimization is a standard engineering practice for improving mechanical performance, representing a predictable variation within mechanical design principles

Source Patent Element

Sleeve formed from sheet metal

PTD Variation

Alternative material compositions or advanced sheet metal forming techniques

Obviousness Reasoning

Material selection and manufacturing process improvements are routine design choices for skilled engineers seeking incremental performance enhancements

Source Patent Element

Bearing assembly supported between shaft raceways

PTD Variation

Refined bearing interface geometries to reduce friction and improve mechanical tolerancing

Obviousness Reasoning

Precision interface optimization is a standard approach for improving mechanical system performance, representing an obvious extension of existing design principles

Source Patent Element

Intermediate shaft assembly for steering column

PTD Variation

Modular design approach allowing increased configurational flexibility

Obviousness Reasoning

Modular design techniques are well-known in mechanical engineering as a means of creating adaptable component architectures

Source Patent Element

Securing element like snap ring for bearing retention

PTD Variation

Alternative fastening mechanisms with improved retention characteristics

Obviousness Reasoning

Mechanical fastener design represents a finite set of predictable solutions, making variations obvious to a skilled practitioner

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the technical variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, with reasonable expectation of success, when considering the teachings of US Patent 11858547 in combination with standard mechanical engineering design principles. The disclosed synergistic combinations represent predictable technical extensions that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,858,547
Title	Intermediate shaft assembly for steering column
Assignee(s)	Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG