Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Articulation in Robotic Surgical Instruments

Publication ID: 24-11857189_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Articulation in Robotic Surgical Instruments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857189_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857189_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. 11,857,189.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved surgical instrument design enabling multi-planar articulation and enhanced dexterity for minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a surgical instrument with a single articulation joint, limiting its flexibility and accessibility in complex surgical procedures. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing multi-planar articulation, enabling surgeons to access hard-to-reach areas and perform procedures with increased precision and dexterity.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced surgical instrument features a shaft assembly with multiple articulation joints, allowing for movement in multiple planes. This design enables the instrument to adapt to complex anatomical structures and navigate through tight spaces. The new claims also introduce a sensor-enabled system that adjusts the force transmitted to the instrument based on the detected force, ensuring safer and more controlled operations. Additionally, the inventive concept incorporates a real-time visualization system to provide surgeons with a precise view of the target site, facilitating more accurate and effective procedures.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a significant improvement over the original patent by enabling multi-planar articulation and integrating sensor-enabled force adjustment and real-time visualization. These enhancements provide a substantial increase in dexterity, precision, and safety during minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different shaft assembly configurations, adjustable articulation joints, and various sensor types. Additionally, the system could be integrated with machine learning algorithms to optimize surgical performance and reduce complications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced surgical instrument has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of minimally invasive robotic surgery. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions, with potential for widespread adoption and revenue growth.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/105
A A61 A61B17/29
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B34/35
A A61 A61B34/37
A A61 A61B34/71
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B2017/00309
A A61 A61B2017/00314
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/07214
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07278
A A61 A61B2017/2903
A A61 A61B2017/2908
A A61 A61B2017/2929

Field of Art

Minimally invasive robotic surgical instrumentation, encompassing surgical device design, articulation mechanisms, force sensing, and visualization technologies for medical interventions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in robotic surgical systems, mechanical engineering, sensor integration, and advanced medical instrumentation, holding advanced degrees and 5-7 years of professional experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's multi-planar articulation, force sensing, and visualization technologies represent predictable extensions of existing surgical instrument design principles disclosed in the source patent. The variations demonstrate incremental improvements using known techniques in robotic surgical systems, applying standard engineering approaches to enhance instrument functionality and surgical precision.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Shaft assembly with first and second shaft segments
PTD Variation
Multi-planar articulation of second shaft segment
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to extend single-plane articulation to multi-plane movement as a predictable design optimization for improved surgical access and maneuverability
Source Patent Element
Closure driver transmitting mechanical motion
PTD Variation
Sensor-enabled force adjustment system
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating force sensing with mechanical actuation represents a known technique for enhancing surgical instrument control and safety, using standard feedback control principles
Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument with shaft assembly
PTD Variation
Real-time visualization system integrated with instrument movement
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining surgical instrument mechanics with visual feedback is a predictable solution for improving surgical precision, utilizing established medical imaging and robotic control technologies
Source Patent Element
Rotatable drive components in surgical instrument
PTD Variation
Shaft segment configured to rotate around longitudinal axis
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding rotational capabilities represents an obvious design variation using known mechanical engineering principles to increase instrument flexibility
Source Patent Element
Minimally invasive surgical instrument design
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithm integration for performance optimization
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying computational intelligence to surgical instrument control is a predictable technological progression using standard machine learning techniques in medical device engineering
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857189 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed surgical instrument configurations and methods obvious, as the PTD demonstrates incremental improvements using known techniques in robotic surgical system design, thereby anticipating and rendering obvious subsequent patent claims with substantially similar technical characteristics.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,189
TitleSurgical instrument including first and second articulation joints
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International