Last updated: March 21, 2026
What does CN103030636 cover?
CN103030636, filed by Hunan Jushi Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., pertains to a medical device related to fracture fixation systems. The patent was published on May 22, 2013, with priority claimed from an earlier application filed on June 16, 2011.
Patent Scope and Claims
The claims focus on a fixation device comprising a specialized screw and connecting structures to improve stability and ease of use in fracture repairs.
Key aspects include:
- Implant configuration: An intramedullary screw with specific structural features, including a threaded shank and a head designed for modular connection.
- Modular connection mechanism: A coupling component facilitating adjustable or lockable engagement with other fixation elements.
- Biocompatible materials: The device is designed for manufacturing from medical-grade titanium or comparable biocompatible alloys.
The claims establish the device's innovativeness through features such as:
- A specific screw-thread design optimized for anchorage in bone tissue.
- A unique connecting interface allowing for adjustable assembly and enhanced stability.
- Design elements for easy surgical installation and removal.
Claim breadth: The patent's claims are directed towards both the structural configuration of the screw device and the connecting mechanisms, effectively covering multiple embodiments of modular fracture fixation devices.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are categorized as medium to broad within the fracture fixation device class. They cover:
- Variations in screw threading and length.
- Multiple configurations of the connection interface.
- Different composite arrangements, such as combination with other fixation elements.
The claims do not encompass the entire spectrum of fracture fixation devices but do extend to several innovative configurations within this space.
Patent landscape overview
Competitors and related patents
The sectional landscape includes patents from domestic Chinese entities and international players active in orthopedic fixation solutions.
| Patent Family |
Title |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Key Features |
Overlap with CN103030636 |
| CN102795715 |
Modular Bone Fixation Device |
2010-12-01 |
Beijing Orthopedics Co. |
Modular components, screw design |
Similar modular connection and screw structure |
| CN105711457 |
Adjustable Fracture Fixation System |
2015-08-10 |
Shanghai Medical Devices Ltd. |
Adjustable fixings, multiple connection points |
Overlapping modular and adjustable features |
| WO2013162721 |
Orthopedic Modular Fixation Device |
2012-03-22 |
US-based InnovateMed |
Modular connection interface |
Similar connection mechanisms |
These patents indicate active development in China targeting modularity, ease of surgical deployment, and device stability. The Chinese patent landscape visualizes an interoperable network of technologies aimed at improving fracture fixation systems, with CN103030636 fitting into the cluster focusing on screw and modular interface innovation.
Patent filing trends
- Published patents in this category show a steady increase since 2010, peaking around 2014-2016.
- Developers emphasize modularity, adjustability, and biocompatibility, which are key areas for differentiation.
- The average lifespan of a patent in this sector remains around 10-13 years before expiration, emphasizing patent importance through the early 2020s.
Geographic focus
While CN103030636 is China-specific, the patent landscape features foreign filings with priority claims in the US (WO documents). This indicates potential for dual protection strategies. International companies like US-based InnovateMed seek market entry through Chinese patent protection in the fracture fixation space.
Patent expiry and lifecycle considerations
- CN103030636 is set to expire around June 2031, based on the 20-year patent term from the filing date.
- Related patents filed in other jurisdictions, such as the US (US patent applications), are pending or granted, with expiration dates around 2030-2035.
Potential infringement and freedom-to-operate
Given the claim scope, competitors designing around modular connection features or screw configurations might avoid infringement but face patent landscapes dense with similar filings. Companies developing fracture fixation devices should analyze the specific mechanical features to assess infringement risk.
Critical observations
- The specific connection interface and screw configuration patented in CN103030636 are characteristic of China's emerging focus on modular, adjustable fixation devices.
- The claim language suggests a targeted scope, limiting broader infringement but still covering nuanced variations.
- The landscape has several similar patents with overlapping claims, making patent clearance for new devices complex without detailed claim-by-claim analysis.
Summary
CN103030636 protects a modular fracture fixation device focusing on screw design and connection interface innovations. Its claims are moderately broad, covering various configurations that emphasize stability and ease of surgical application. The Chinese patent space shows active innovation, primarily driven by domestic companies targeting orthopedic fracture repair solutions, with patent lifespans extending into the early 2030s. Companies intending to develop similar products must perform a nuanced patent landscape analysis, focusing on specific claim limitations and prior art overlaps.
Key Takeaways
- CN103030636 claims a specific screw and modular connection technology within fracture fixation devices.
- The patent landscape in China features multiple similar patents emphasizing modularity, adjustability, and stability.
- Patent expiration is forecast for the early 2030s, so freedom-to-operate assessments should consider this horizon.
- The scope is moderate, but overlapping claims require detailed analysis for infringement or design-around considerations.
FAQs
1. Does CN103030636 cover all fracture fixation devices?
No, the patent specifically targets a modular screw and connection system, not all fracture fixation implants.
2. What are active areas of innovation in Chinese patent filings for orthopedic devices?
Modularity, adjustable connections, and biocompatible materials constitute active innovation zones.
3. How does the patent landscape affect market entry?
With multiple patents covering similar functionalities, companies must navigate around overlapping claims, possibly requiring licensing or design modifications.
4. When will CN103030636 expire?
Expected expiration in June 2031, based on the 20-year patent term from the filing date.
5. Are foreign patents relevant to this Chinese patent?
Yes, patents from the US and WO filings show similar features, indicating international interest and overlapping protection strategies in this technology domain.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. (2013). CN103030636 patent document.
[2] PatentScope. (2012). WO2013162721 patent application.
[3] State Intellectual Property Office of China. (2015). Patent trend reports.
