Endoscope Lumen Accessory for Industrial and Environmental Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original endoscope lumen accessory patent to develop novel applications in industries beyond medical devices, including wind turbine maintenance, industrial machinery inspection, search and rescue operations, pipeline inspection, and agricultural irrigation system monitoring.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an endoscope lumen accessory for medical devices, which has limitations in terms of its adaptability to other industries. The new inventive concept addresses the problem of adapting this technology to address specific challenges in non-medical fields, where the need for precision, flexibility, and accessibility is equally crucial.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves adapting the endoscope lumen accessory to navigate and inspect internal structures of industrial equipment, such as wind turbine blades, industrial machinery, pipelines, and agricultural irrigation systems. This adaptation enables the detection of defects, damage, or blockages, and facilitates predictive maintenance, repair, and optimization. The accessory's expandable guide member and adjustable angle of approach allow for precise navigation and inspection in complex, hard-to-reach areas.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the original patent's technology to entirely new industries, solving specific problems and addressing unmet needs. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for this technology to be adapted and optimized for non-medical applications, and the development of new embodiments and variations that enable this expansion.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include customized accessory designs for specific industries, such as a wind turbine blade inspection accessory with enhanced durability and resistance to environmental factors. Variations may also include integrating sensors, cameras, or other diagnostic tools to enhance the inspection and diagnostic capabilities of the accessory.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, manufacturing, oil and gas, and agriculture. The market demand for innovative inspection and maintenance solutions is growing, and this technology can help companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance safety.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/00137 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/0014 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00097 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00098 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00101 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/018 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial endoscopic imaging and navigation systems, encompassing diagnostic and inspection technologies involving flexible probe devices with articulating guide members
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in mechanical engineering, medical device design, or industrial inspection technologies, possessing knowledge of flexible probe systems, mechanical articulation mechanisms, and cross-domain technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental design principles of the endoscopic lumen accessory are readily transferable across different inspection domains. The core technical features - an expandable guide member, adjustable angle of approach, and precision navigation capability - represent generalizable engineering solutions applicable to multiple technical contexts. The PTD demonstrates predictable technological extension by applying known endoscopic probe mechanics to alternative inspection environments.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,159 |
|---|---|
| Title | Endoscope lumen accessory and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. |