Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Articulation Joint Arrangements for Diverse Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857182_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Articulation Joint Arrangements for Diverse Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857182_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857182_0007_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. 11,857,182.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Applying the core technology of combination function articulation joints to novel fields, including robotic lawn mowers, pipeline inspection, veterinary procedures, agricultural harvesting, and industrial machinery cleaning, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, focused on surgical instruments, limited the potential of articulation joints to a specific industry. This inventive concept addresses the need for more efficient and effective solutions in various industries, where the adaptability and precision of articulation joints can be leveraged.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept involves the application of combination function articulation joints to diverse industries, enabling selective articulation and precise control of tools and instruments. In robotic lawn mowers, the articulation joint facilitates efficient cutting patterns. In pipeline inspection, the articulation joint enables thorough and precise probe movement. In veterinary procedures, the articulation joint allows for precise stapling and cutting of animal tissue. In agricultural harvesting, the articulation joint improves crop harvesting efficiency. In industrial machinery cleaning, the articulation joint enables effective tool movement and debris removal.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications of articulation joints, departing from the original patent's surgical focus. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of articulation joints to improve efficiency and effectiveness in various industries, and adapting the technology to address specific challenges and needs.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of articulation joints, such as flexible or rigid joints, or integrating sensors and actuators to enhance precision and control. Variations may include applying the articulation joint technology to other industries, such as aerospace, automotive, or construction.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential, with applications in industries such as lawn care, pipeline inspection, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and industrial machinery maintenance. The target market includes manufacturers of robotic lawn mowers, pipeline inspection equipment, veterinary instruments, agricultural harvesting equipment, and industrial machinery cleaning tools.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0686
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B17/068
A A61 A61B17/072
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/29
A A61 A61B17/320092
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B2017/00314
A A61 A61B2017/00323
A A61 A61B2017/00336
A A61 A61B2017/00367
A A61 A61B2017/00389
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/07214
A A61 A61B2017/07257
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07278
A A61 A61B2017/07285
A A61 A61B2017/2927
A A61 A61B2017/320071
A A61 A61B2017/320093
A A61 A61B2017/320094
A A61 A61B2017/320095
A A61 A61B2017/320097
A A61 A61B2034/301

Field of Art

Surgical and robotic instrument design, with expertise in articulation mechanisms, end effector technologies, and multi-axis joint systems across medical, industrial, and precision control applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with advanced degrees, experienced in designing complex articulating instruments, familiar with cross-industry technology transfer, and understanding of modular joint and actuator systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental transferability of articulation joint technologies across diverse mechanical systems, understanding that the core principles of selective articulation, precise movement control, and multi-axis joint configurations are universally applicable beyond surgical instruments. The source patent's detailed articulation joint design provides a comprehensive technical framework that can be readily adapted to alternative domains with predictable engineering modifications. The PTD's variations represent logical extensions of known articulation principles by applying established mechanical concepts to solve domain-specific challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument articulation joint with selective movement about transverse and longitudinal axes
PTD Variation
Applying articulation joint to robotic lawn mower cutting blade movement
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable adaptation of known joint mechanics to achieve precision control in a different mechanical system, representing a standard engineering design transfer
Source Patent Element
Flexible actuators extending through joint members to interface with a drive system
PTD Variation
Integrating similar actuator configurations in pipeline inspection probes
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of translating precise motion control mechanisms across mechanical domains with minimal substantive redesign
Source Patent Element
End effector configured for stapling and cutting tissue along defined axes
PTD Variation
Adapting end effector design for agricultural harvesting equipment
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious extension of articulation principles to solve analogous mechanical positioning and control challenges in a different technical context
Source Patent Element
Shaft assembly with articulation joint enabling selective positional control
PTD Variation
Industrial machinery cleaning tool with longitudinal articulation capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite number of predictable solutions for implementing precise mechanical movement, representing a standard engineering design approach
Source Patent Element
Multi-axis articulation joint with flexible actuation mechanisms
PTD Variation
Veterinary surgical instrument with similar joint configuration
Obviousness Reasoning
Direct technological translation with minimal inventive step, representing a standard approach to adapting proven mechanical designs across related domains
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857182's comprehensive articulation joint disclosure, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through standard engineering design transfer, involving predictable modifications to a known articulation joint system across diverse mechanical domains. The disclosed variations represent logical extensions of the source patent's core technological principles, achievable through routine mechanical engineering practices and well-understood cross-domain technology adaptation strategies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,182
TitleSurgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International