Advanced Endoscope Instrument Elevating Device
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An enhanced endoscope system featuring improved instrument elevating devices that enhance performance, safety, and efficiency in medical procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's endoscope instrument elevating device has limitations in terms of stability, friction, and component replacement. The new inventive concept addresses these issues by introducing advanced features such as dynamic stabilization, self-lubrication, modular assembly, sensor-based positioning, and high-power miniature motors.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced endoscope system incorporates a dynamic stabilizer to maintain a consistent angle of elevation during remote operation, ensuring precise control and reducing operator fatigue. The instrument elevating device features a self-lubricating mechanism to minimize friction and increase durability. A modular elevator assembly enables easy replacement of worn or damaged components, reducing maintenance downtime. A sensor array detects the instrument's position and adjusts the elevator's swing accordingly, optimizing the protruding direction. A high-power miniature motor with a high power-to-weight ratio powers the elevator, increasing efficiency and reducing the overall size of the device.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that overcome the limitations of the original patent, including dynamic stabilization, self-lubrication, modular assembly, sensor-based positioning, and high-power miniature motors. These advancements provide a significant improvement in performance, safety, and efficiency, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and innovative.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the advanced endoscope system could include different types of dynamic stabilizers, self-lubricating materials, or modular assembly configurations. Variations could also include different sensor array designs or miniature motor types, ensuring broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to various medical procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced endoscope system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of gastrointestinal, laparoscopic, and arthroscopic procedures. The improved performance, safety, and efficiency of the system could lead to increased adoption and market share, with potential applications in 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 surgical instrumentation, focusing on instrument positioning and control mechanisms for minimally invasive medical devices, with expertise in mechanical design, precision motion control, and medical device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with endoscopic instrument mechanisms, motion control systems, and surgical device optimization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the existing endoscope elevator mechanism, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known approaches to enhance medical device performance and functionality.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,163 |
|---|---|
| Title | Endoscope having swinging elevator |
| Assignee(s) | HOYA CORPORATION |