Enhanced Endoscope System with Real-Time Feedback and Stabilization

Publication ID: 24-11857162_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Endoscope System with Real-Time Feedback and Stabilization,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857162_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857162_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,162.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved endoscope system featuring real-time feedback and stabilization mechanisms to enhance navigation, reduce insertion force, and improve overall performance.

Background and Problem Solved

Conventional endoscopes have limitations in navigation and insertion, which can lead to complications and discomfort for patients. The original patent addressed some of these issues, but further improvements are necessary to overcome the inherent limitations of the existing design. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating real-time feedback, stabilization, and lubrication mechanisms to enhance the overall endoscope experience.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced endoscope system comprises a movable member disposed in a distal end portion of an insertion portion, which is configured to adjust its position in response to user input via an operation wire. A sensor detects the position of the movable member and provides real-time feedback to the user, facilitating smoother navigation. Additionally, a stabilizing mechanism maintains the position of the movable member during insertion and navigation, reducing the risk of complications. The system also includes a control unit that adjusts the movement of the movable member based on feedback from the sensor and adjusts the flexibility of the insertion portion in response to changes in the movement of the movable member. Furthermore, a lubricant application mechanism reduces the force of insertion, ensuring a more comfortable experience for patients.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the novel combination of real-time feedback, stabilization, and lubrication mechanisms, which significantly improve the performance and safety of endoscope navigation. These features are not present in the original patent and provide a substantial improvement over existing endoscope designs.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the type of sensor used, implementing different stabilizing mechanisms, or integrating the system with other medical devices. Additionally, the inventive concept could be applied to various types of endoscopes, such as colonoscopes or bronchoscopes, to enhance their performance and safety.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced endoscope system has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in the fields of gastroenterology, pulmonology, and urology. The system's improved performance and safety features make it an attractive solution for hospitals and medical centers, potentially leading to increased adoption and market share.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/018
A A61 A61B1/0051
A A61 A61B1/0057
A A61 A61B1/00087
A A61 A61B1/00091
A A61 A61B1/00094
A A61 A61B1/00098
A A61 A61B1/00101
A A61 A61B1/05
A A61 A61B1/0676

Field of Art

Medical Endoscopy and Surgical Instrumentation, specifically focusing on flexible endoscopic devices with movable components and navigation systems. Requires advanced biomedical engineering knowledge, mechanical design expertise, and understanding of minimally invasive medical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering, experienced in designing flexible medical instruments, familiar with sensor integration, control systems, and medical device performance optimization

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adding real-time sensor feedback and stabilization mechanisms to an existing endoscope design represents a predictable engineering improvement. The core functional elements of the movable member and operation wire are already established in the source patent, making the proposed enhancements a logical extension of existing technological capabilities. The variations represent standard problem-solving approaches in medical device design to improve navigation and patient safety.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Movable body provided in distal-end body capable of relative movement
PTD Variation
Adding sensor-based position detection and real-time feedback for the movable body
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensors to monitor component position is a known technique in medical device design, representing a predictable technological enhancement with foreseeable benefits
Source Patent Element
Insertion portion with operation wire controlling movable member
PTD Variation
Implementing a stabilization mechanism to maintain movable member position during navigation
Obviousness Reasoning
Reducing unintended movement is a standard design optimization approach, representing a finite solution to a known medical device performance challenge
Source Patent Element
Endoscope with flexible insertion portion
PTD Variation
Adding lubricant application mechanism to reduce insertion force
Obviousness Reasoning
Minimizing patient discomfort through mechanical and lubrication improvements is a well-established design strategy in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Distal-end body with movable components
PTD Variation
Implementing a control unit that dynamically adjusts insertion portion flexibility based on movable member movement
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control systems are a known approach in medical device design, representing a predictable application of control engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Operation wire for controlling movable body
PTD Variation
Integrating user input responsiveness and real-time navigation feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing user interface and providing immediate performance information is a standard method of improving medical device usability and effectiveness
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857162 and the disclosed technical variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed endoscope system enhancements obvious and predictable. The combination of known medical device design techniques, sensor integration, and performance optimization strategies renders the claimed innovations obvious as a matter of routine engineering design, thereby establishing this disclosure as valid prior art against potential future patent claims in endoscopic medical device technology.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,162
TitleEndoscope
Assignee(s)OLYMPUS CORPORATION