The invention graph is the backbone of Patentext’s drafting engine. It transforms your disclosure materials into a structured, editable representation of your invention.
This graph is made up of five node types — components, steps, products, configurations, and variants — each representing a different aspect of a claimable invention or group of related inventions. These nodes are linked by edges that define relationships like hierarchy, causality, and execution.
Understanding how each node and edge works will help you review, modify, and expand your invention more effectively during drafting.
Components represent the physical parts of assemblies of a system. If your invention includes hardware, machinery, circuit elements, mechanical parts, or physical assemblies, they’re modeled as components in the invention graph.
Components are arranged in a hierarchical tree, where each node represents a distinct part, and nested nodes represent subcomponents.
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Example
For a robotic gripper arm, the component tree might include:
Each of these would be represented as a separate component node in the graph.
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Each component includes a description and attributes of three different types: features, functions, and embodiments.
Features describe the physical or structural traits of the component. These can include:
Features are typically not standalone claim elements, but they can help you reach the level of disclosure required for a patent application or provide backup positions during prosecution.
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Example
For a “heat sink,” features might include:
Functions explain what the component does. These may relate to: