Robotic Shaft-Based Rotary Drive Systems for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to the adaptation of robotic shaft-based rotary drive systems, originally designed for surgical instruments, to various industrial applications such as precision farming, industrial equipment monitoring, wind turbine inspection, oil recovery, and warehouse inventory management.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a robotic shaft-based rotary drive system for surgical stapling instruments. However, the limitations of this patent lie in its restricted application to the medical field. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by exploring the potential of the core technology in entirely different industries, providing novel solutions to specific problems in these fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe a system and method for optimizing crop yields, monitoring industrial equipment, inspecting wind turbines, enhancing oil recovery, and automating warehouse inventory management. In each application, the robotic shaft-based rotary drive system is configured to provide precise control, increased efficiency, and improved performance. For instance, in precision farming, the system analyzes soil conditions and adjusts irrigation patterns accordingly. In industrial equipment monitoring, the system rotates sensors and detectors to detect anomalies and alert maintenance personnel.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the robotic shaft-based rotary drive system, which was not originally considered in the medical field. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the system's versatility and its potential to solve specific problems in diverse industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the robotic shaft-based rotary drive system to accommodate different operating environments, such as harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures. Variations could also involve the integration of additional sensors, software, or artificial intelligence to enhance the system's performance and adaptability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and logistics. The system's ability to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve performance makes it an attractive solution for companies seeking to optimize their operations and stay competitive in their respective markets.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/068 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/00234 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0684 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/07207 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/105 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/32 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/320068 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/1445 |
| A | A61 | A61B50/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B50/36 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00115 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00314 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00323 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00367 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00398 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00473 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00685 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00734 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0688 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07257 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07278 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07285 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2905 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2923 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2927 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2933 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2937 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2943 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320069 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320071 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1455 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/302 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/0811 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T29/53 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,181 |
|---|---|
| Title | Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |