Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report analyzes Singapore patent application SG11202012744U, detailing its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape. The application, filed on December 30, 2020, by KAIKO SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, concerns a method of preparing an excitable tissue-stimulating composite agent [1]. The provided application documents do not indicate the grant status of this application as of the latest available search. This analysis focuses on the claims as filed, which define the exclusive rights sought by the applicant.
What is the Core Innovation Claimed?
The central innovation described in SG11202012744U relates to a specific method for producing a composite agent designed to stimulate excitable tissues. The method involves a multi-step process that aims to optimize the properties of the final product for its intended biological application.
What are the Specific Steps in the Claimed Method?
The independent claims of SG11202012744U define a method comprising the following key steps:
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Preparation of a first component: This step involves mixing a specific polymer and an electrolyte to form a first component. The claimed polymer is a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). The electrolyte is a lithium salt, specifically lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI). The mixing is performed using a solvent, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The resulting mixture is then cast and dried to form a film.
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Preparation of a second component: This step involves creating a second component by dispersing a specified additive in a liquid. The additive is a pore-forming agent, specifically calcium chloride (CaCl₂). The liquid medium used is an alcohol, such as ethanol.
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Formation of a composite layer: The dried film from the first component is immersed in the liquid mixture of the second component. This immersion step is crucial for forming a composite layer on the film.
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Formation of a continuous phase: The composite layer is then treated to remove the pore-forming agent and the solvent. This step creates a continuous phase within the film, integrating the polymer and electrolyte while forming a porous structure.
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Infiltration with electrolyte: Finally, the treated composite layer is infiltrated with a liquid electrolyte. This electrolyte is a solution of a lithium salt in an organic solvent. The specific lithium salt used is lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), dissolved in a mixture of organic solvents, including ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) [1].
What are the Key Components and Their Specifications?
The patent application specifies critical components and their roles within the claimed method and the resulting composite agent.
What are the Specified Polymers and Electrolytes?
- Polymer: Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). This copolymer is chosen for its electrochemical stability and ability to form films.
- First Electrolyte Salt: Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI). Used in the initial preparation of the first component.
- Pore-Forming Agent: Calcium chloride (CaCl₂). This salt is used to create porosity in the composite layer during the fabrication process.
- Final Electrolyte Salt: Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆). This is the primary electrolyte salt in the final composite agent for ionic conductivity.
- Solvents: N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is used in the initial polymer processing. Ethanol is used in the preparation of the second component. Ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) are used in the final liquid electrolyte [1].
What are the Critical Process Parameters?
While the application details the steps, specific numerical parameters for temperatures, immersion times, or drying conditions are not exhaustively detailed in the primary claims, allowing for a degree of operational flexibility. However, the sequential nature of the steps and the specific chemical components define the technical scope. The drying step, for instance, is described as being conducted to form a film, implying a solid state formation. The immersion and infiltration steps are critical for achieving the desired composite structure and ionic transport properties [1].
What is the Intended Use of the Composite Agent?
The application states that the composite agent is intended for stimulating excitable tissues. Excitability in biological tissues, such as nerves and muscles, relies on the controlled movement of ions across cell membranes. The composite agent, by virtue of its structure and electrolyte content, is designed to facilitate ion transport, thereby mimicking or augmenting natural physiological electrical signals. This suggests potential applications in areas like neuroprosthetics, cardiac pacing, or other bioelectronic interfaces where electrical stimulation of tissues is required [1].
What is the Scope of the Claims?
The claims in SG11202012744U are directed towards the method of preparing the composite agent, not the composite agent itself as a product. This means that the patent holder can prevent others from using this specific method to produce the described composite agent within Singapore.
How are the Claims Structured?
The patent application includes several claims, typically starting with a broad independent claim and followed by narrower dependent claims that further define specific embodiments or preferred aspects of the invention.
- Independent Claim 1: This claim broadly defines the method as described in the "Specific Steps in the Claimed Method" section above, encompassing the preparation of the first component, the second component, their combination to form a composite layer, removal of pore-forming agent, and infiltration with the final electrolyte [1].
- Dependent Claims: These claims likely specify preferred ranges of component concentrations, specific types of pore-forming agents or solvents within the defined categories, or additional processing steps that enhance the properties of the final composite agent. For example, a dependent claim might specify a particular ratio of PVDF-HFP to LiTFSI or a specific temperature range for drying the initial film.
What are the Limitations of the Claims?
The method claims are limited by the specific materials and sequence of steps recited. Variations in the polymer, electrolyte salts, pore-forming agents, solvents, or the order of operations could potentially fall outside the scope of these claims. For instance, using a different polymer than PVDF-HFP or a different class of pore-forming agents might not infringe the current claims.
What is the Patent Landscape for Excitability-Stimulating Agents?
The field of bioelectronic interfaces and materials for stimulating excitable tissues is dynamic and competitive, with significant patent activity globally. Analyzing patents in this domain involves considering not only composition of matter claims but also method claims and uses.
What are Related Technologies and Competitors?
Companies and research institutions actively developing technologies in this space include those focused on:
- Neuroscience and Neuromodulation: Companies developing implantable devices for deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation.
- Cardiovascular Devices: Manufacturers of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
- Biomaterials and Drug Delivery: Companies developing advanced polymers and hydrogels for controlled release of therapeutic agents or for interfacing with biological systems.
- Electrolyte and Electrode Materials: Research into novel ionic conductors and electrode materials that offer improved conductivity, biocompatibility, and longevity.
Key players in the broader field of implantable electronic devices and bio-interfaces often hold extensive patent portfolios covering device architectures, stimulation waveforms, and material compositions. Analyzing the specific patent landscape for SG11202012744U would require a detailed search of patent databases for terms related to "excitable tissue stimulation," "composite agents," "PVDF-HFP electrolytes," and "ionic conductors" within the last 10-15 years, across major jurisdictions.
How Does SG11202012744U Fit into the Landscape?
SG11202012744U targets the manufacturing process of a specific type of composite agent. This method-patent approach aims to control production rather than the final composition itself, which might be addressed by separate composition-of-matter patents. This strategy is common when the novelty lies primarily in the manufacturing technique that yields superior properties or cost-effectiveness.
Companies seeking to develop or commercialize similar composite agents for tissue stimulation would need to:
- Scrutinize Method Claims: Determine if their manufacturing process infringes on the specific steps and materials claimed in SG11202012744U.
- Assess Freedom to Operate: Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to identify any potential IP barriers to their intended activities, including manufacturing, use, and sale of related products.
- Monitor Competitor Filings: Stay abreast of new patent applications and grants in the field, particularly from companies like KAIKO SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA and other key players.
The patent landscape in this area is characterized by overlapping claims on materials, devices, and manufacturing methods. Therefore, a thorough IP due diligence is essential for R&D and investment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore patent application SG11202012744U describes a specific multi-step method for preparing a composite agent for stimulating excitable tissues.
- The method involves precise use of polymers (PVDF-HFP), electrolyte salts (LiTFSI, LiPF₆), and pore-forming agents (CaCl₂), alongside specific solvents (DMF, ethanol, EC, DMC).
- The claims are focused on the manufacturing process, providing protection against others using this particular method to produce the composite agent.
- The field of excitable tissue stimulation is active, with a competitive patent landscape encompassing materials, devices, and manufacturing techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the specific stage of the patent application SG11202012744U?
The application was filed on December 30, 2020, and its grant status is not confirmed in the provided documentation. It is in the examination phase pending a decision on grant.
2. Can this patent prevent the sale of a composite agent made using a different method?
This patent application, if granted, would primarily prevent others from using the specific method of preparation as claimed. It would not automatically prevent the sale of a composite agent if it is manufactured using a substantially different process.
3. What are the primary components of the composite agent being developed?
The agent involves a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer matrix, lithium-based electrolytes, and is processed using pore-forming agents like calcium chloride.
4. What are the potential applications for this composite agent?
The intended use is for stimulating excitable tissues, suggesting applications in areas such as neuroprosthetics, cardiac devices, or bioelectronic interfaces that require electrical stimulation of nerves or muscles.
5. Does the patent application claim the final composite agent itself?
The claims are directed towards the method of preparation. While the method yields a specific composite agent, the direct claims are on the process, not necessarily on the final product as a composition of matter unless separate composition claims are present and granted.
6. Who is the applicant for SG11202012744U?
The applicant is KAIKO SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA.
7. What are the key solvents mentioned in the preparation method?
Key solvents include N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for polymer processing, alcohol (e.g., ethanol) for the second component, and ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) for the final electrolyte.
8. How does the pore-forming agent contribute to the final product?
The pore-forming agent (e.g., CaCl₂) is used during fabrication to create a porous structure within the composite layer. This porosity is crucial for efficient infiltration of the final electrolyte and subsequent ionic conductivity.
9. What is the significance of the dual electrolyte system?
The method utilizes an initial electrolyte salt (LiTFSI) during the first component preparation and a different primary electrolyte salt (LiPF₆) in the final liquid electrolyte. This staged approach likely aims to optimize the structure and ionic transport properties of the composite agent.
10. What is the territorial scope of this patent application?
This is a Singapore patent application (SG), meaning any granted patent would have validity only within Singapore.
Citations
[1] KAIKO SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. (2020). Method of preparing an excitable tissue-stimulating composite agent. Singapore Patent Application SG11202012744U.
