Enhanced Endoscope with Advanced Elevator Mechanism
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved endoscope design that incorporates low-friction bearings, redundant safety mechanisms, piezoelectric actuators, and real-time force feedback for enhanced instrument control and precision during minimally invasive procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original endoscope patent had limitations in terms of friction, safety, and instrument control. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced technologies that enable smoother operation, enhanced safety, and more precise instrument movement.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced endoscope features an improved elevator mechanism that incorporates a low-friction bearing, reducing friction and enhancing smooth operation. A redundant safety mechanism prevents instrument damage in case of wire breakage. Additionally, a piezoelectric actuator enables high-precision and rapid instrument movement, while real-time force feedback and tactile sensing allow for more precise and delicate instrument control.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements to the original endoscope patent, including the use of low-friction bearings, redundant safety mechanisms, piezoelectric actuators, and real-time force feedback, which provide a significant advantage in terms of instrument control and precision.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of actuators, such as electromagnetic or hydraulic actuators, or the integration of additional sensors for enhanced instrument control. Variations of the design could also include different materials or geometries for the elevator mechanism or instrument-elevating device.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced endoscope has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and diagnostic procedures. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/018 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00098 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| G | G02 | G02B23/24 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00131 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical endoscopy and minimally invasive surgical instrumentation, specifically focusing on instrument manipulation mechanisms for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, actuator technologies, precision motion control, and surgical instrument interfaces, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree in biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental elevator mechanism design. The proposed modifications such as low-friction bearings, piezoelectric actuation, and force feedback are well-known techniques in precision medical device engineering that would naturally emerge from iterative design optimization. These variations solve known limitations in endoscopic instrument control through standard problem-solving approaches within the field.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,163 |
|---|---|
| Title | Endoscope having swinging elevator |
| Assignee(s) | HOYA CORPORATION |