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Invention Structuring

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Transform raw ideas into patent-ready disclosures.

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Free · Opens the source repo

What Invention Structuring does

Invention Structuring is a specialized skill designed to help users formalize their rough invention ideas into structured, patent-ready disclosures. This skill is particularly useful for inventors, researchers, and patent attorneys who need to articulate their inventions clearly and comprehensively. By following a systematic approach, it guides users through the essential components of a formal invention disclosure, ensuring that all critical aspects are covered.

The skill operates using a structured workflow that incorporates the Problem-Solution-Advantage framework. Users can input their invention descriptions along with any existing patent briefs or prior art reports. The skill then decomposes the invention into its core components, identifying the technical problem it addresses, the specific technical solution it offers, and the measurable advantages over existing solutions. This structured approach not only aids in clarity but also enhances the likelihood of successful patent applications.

In addition, Invention Structuring includes a validation step where an external reviewer model evaluates the structuring choices made by the user. This ensures that the invention is adequately prepared for patent submission, minimizing the risk of overlooking critical elements. The skill can handle up to three refinement rounds, allowing users to iteratively improve their disclosures based on feedback and analysis.

Overall, this skill is an essential tool for anyone involved in the invention process, providing a clear pathway from initial idea to formal patent disclosure. It streamlines the complexities of patent writing and ensures that inventors can present their ideas in a professional and legally sound manner.

When to use it

Use this skill when you need to formalize a rough invention idea into a structured patent disclosure.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for general brainstorming or when no formal patent application is intended.

What you can build with it

Formalizing a New Invention

An inventor has a rough idea and wants to structure it into a formal patent disclosure for submission.

Preparing for Patent Application

A patent attorney needs to ensure that all aspects of an invention are covered before filing a patent.

Iterative Improvement of Disclosure

A researcher wants to refine their invention disclosure based on feedback from peers and reviewers.

How to install Invention Structuring

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1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add wanshuiyin/auto-claude-code-research-in-sleep/invention-structuring --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by wanshuiyin

Invention Structuring

Structure the invention into a formal disclosure based on: $ARGUMENTS

Adapted from the refinement pattern in /research-refine for patent invention decomposition.

Constants

  • REVIEWER_MODEL = gpt-5.6-sol — External reviewer for invention decomposition validation
  • MAX_REFINEMENT_ROUNDS = 3 — Maximum structuring iterations

Inputs

  1. Invention description from $ARGUMENTS
  2. patent/INVENTION_BRIEF.md if exists
  3. patent/PRIOR_ART_REPORT.md — prior art landscape
  4. patent/NOVELTY_ASSESSMENT.md — novelty analysis

Shared References

Load ../shared-references/patent-writing-principles.md for the Problem-Solution-Advantage framework and claimable subject matter guidelines.

Workflow

Step 1: Problem-Solution-Advantage Framework

Structure the invention using the universal patent framework:

Technical Problem (要解决的技术问题):

  • Derived from prior art deficiencies identified in NOVELTY_ASSESSMENT.md
  • Must be a specific, technical problem (not a commercial or social problem)
  • Statement format: "The technical problem to be solved is how to [specific technical objective] given [specific technical constraint]."

Technical Solution (技术方案):

  • The invention's specific technical contribution
  • Focus on the mechanism, not the result
  • Must be described at a level that matches the intended claim scope
  • Identify which features are known vs. inventive

Advantages (有益效果):

  • Measurable or quantifiable improvements over prior art
  • Must result from the inventive features, not just good engineering
  • Include specific technical effects if known (e.g., "reduces processing time by 40%")

Step 2: Invention Decomposition

Break the invention into three layers:

Core Inventive Concept (核心发明构思):

  • The minimal set of features that make the invention patentable
  • This maps to the independent claim scope
  • Test: if you remove this feature, the invention is no longer novel

Supporting Features (支撑性特征):

  • Features that make the invention work well in practice
  • These become dependent claim material
  • They narrow the scope but add practical value

Optional Features (可选特征):

  • Implementation details, preferred parameters, alternatives
  • These become embodiment material
  • They support broader claim interpretation

Step 3: Claimable Subject Matter Identification

For the core inventive concept, determine what categories of claims to draft:

CategoryApplicabilityContent
Method/processIf invention involves stepsProcess flow, algorithm, workflow
System/apparatusIf invention involves componentsHardware structure, modules, connections
ProductIf invention is a physical deviceShape, structure, composition
Computer-readable mediumIf software invention (US)Stored instructions, non-transitory medium
Product-by-processIf structure is hard to defineProduct defined by how it is made

Step 4: Drawing Plan

Plan what figures are needed to support the claims and specification:

FigureTypeShowsSupports Claim Elements
FIG. 1Block diagramSystem architectureSystem claim components
FIG. 2FlowchartMethod stepsMethod claim steps
FIG. 3Sequence diagramInteraction between componentsSpecific implementation details

If user has provided figures, reference them here. If figures are missing, note what is needed.

Step 5: Dependency Mapping

Map feature dependencies to plan the claim hierarchy:

Independent Claim 1 (method, broadest scope)
├── Core inventive feature A
├── Core inventive feature B
└── Known feature C (for context)

Dependent Claim 2 → narrows feature A with specific implementation
Dependent Claim 3 → narrows feature B with specific parameters
Dependent Claim 4 → depends on 2, adds optional feature D
Dependent Claim 5 → alternative implementation of feature A

Step 6: Fresh-Agent Validation (same-family provisional by default)

Call REVIEWER_MODEL via a dedicated Codex reviewer agent at xhigh reasoning:

spawn_agent:
  model: gpt-5.6-sol
  reasoning_effort: xhigh
  message: |
    You are a patent attorney reviewing an invention disclosure.
    Evaluate the structuring choices:

    INVENTION: [Problem-Solution-Advantage summary]
    DECOMPOSITION: [Core/Supporting/Optional features]
    CLAIM PLAN: [intended claim categories and hierarchy]

    Please assess:
    1. Is the Problem-Solution-Advantage framework correctly applied?
    2. Is the core inventive concept correctly identified? Are there features that should be core but are listed as supporting (or vice versa)?
    3. Are the planned claim categories sufficient to protect the invention?
    4. Is the drawing plan adequate for enablement?
    5. Are there any claimable aspects being missed?

Step 7: Output

Write patent/INVENTION_DISCLOSURE.md:

## Invention Disclosure

### Title
[invention title]

### Technical Problem
[formal problem statement]

### Technical Solution
[formal solution description]

### Advantages
[measurable advantages]

### Feature Decomposition

#### Core Inventive Concept
[features that define independent claim scope]

#### Supporting Features
[features for dependent claims]

#### Optional Features
[features for embodiments]

### Claimable Subject Matter
[method, system, product, medium claims planned]

### Drawing Plan
[figures needed, what each shows]

### Dependency Map
[claim hierarchy plan]

### Inventor Information
[names, contributions]

### Target Jurisdiction
[CN/US/EP/ALL]

Key Rules

  • The Problem must come from prior art deficiencies, not from commercial needs.
  • The Solution must describe the technical mechanism, not just the result.
  • The core inventive concept must be the minimum set of features for patentability.
  • Supporting features should be independently valuable -- each should provide a meaningful technical benefit even if other supporting features are removed.
  • Never invent embodiments that do not correspond to the actual invention or user-provided materials.
  • If reviewer delegation is unavailable in the current Codex host, stop and ask the user to enable Codex agent support before continuing.

Frequently asked questions about Invention Structuring

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