Multi-Functional Robotic Grasping System for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a versatile robotic grasping system adaptable to various industries, including wind turbine maintenance, solar panel cleaning, underwater pipeline inspection, agricultural harvesting, and aircraft engine maintenance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on minimally invasive medical devices and procedures. However, the core technology of the medical instrument can be repurposed to address specific challenges in other industries. For instance, wind turbine blades require regular inspection and maintenance, while solar panels need efficient cleaning to maintain energy output. Underwater pipelines necessitate robust inspection and repair systems, and agricultural crops require efficient harvesting and processing. Similarly, aircraft engines require precise inspection and maintenance. The present inventive concept addresses these industry-specific challenges by adapting the core technology to create a multi-functional robotic grasping system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a remotely controlled robotic arm or submersible robotic vehicle equipped with a grasping end-effector. This end-effector is designed to securely hold and manipulate various objects, such as turbine blades, solar panels, pipeline components, agricultural crops, or aircraft engine parts. The grasping end-effector can be adapted to suit specific industry requirements, ensuring a secure grip without damaging the objects. The system can be integrated with sensors, cameras, and processing units to facilitate efficient inspection, maintenance, and processing.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the original patent's core technology, expanding its scope beyond medical devices to diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the grasping end-effector to address specific industry challenges, providing a versatile solution that can be tailored to various applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different robotic arm configurations, such as aerial or terrestrial drones, or specialized grasping end-effectors for specific industries. Variations may also involve integrating the system with artificial intelligence, machine learning, or IoT technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The multi-functional robotic grasping system has significant commercial potential across various industries, including renewable energy, agriculture, aerospace, and oil and gas. The system can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety in these industries, making it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their operations.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/295 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/29 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/1445 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/068 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/34 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/085 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2901 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2926 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320044 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00595 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1455 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/0817 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/005 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/007 |
| A | A61 | A61B2218/002 |
| A | A61 | A61B2218/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic manipulation and end-effector technologies, with expertise in precision grasping systems across medical, industrial, and remote operational contexts. Requires advanced understanding of mechanical engineering, robotics, and adaptive gripping mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with graduate-level training in mechanical engineering or robotics, familiar with multi-axis articulating end-effectors, capable of translating specialized grasping technologies across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
The source patent's core technical innovation of a movable two-arm end-effector with precise manipulation capabilities provides a direct technological foundation for adapting the grasping mechanism to diverse industrial applications. A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity in mechanical principles between medical tissue manipulation and industrial object handling, seeing the disclosed variations as straightforward technological extensions. The modular design of the original medical instrument inherently suggests broad adaptability across different precision grasping scenarios.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,214 |
|---|---|
| Title | Multi-functional medical device and related |
| Assignee(s) | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. |