Adaptive Optical Shape Sensing Devices for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts optical shape sensing devices for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, ensuring reliable performance in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, search and rescue, and high-temperature applications.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an optical shape sensing device with integrated force sensing region and tip integration. However, the device's design limitations restrict its use in specialized environments. The inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptive designs and materials to cater to specific market needs.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a family of optical shape sensing devices tailored for distinct operational environments. For high-security needs, the device features a tamper-evident material and a security-enhanced layer on the multicore optical fiber. For disaster relief, the device is adapted to withstand extreme weather conditions. For extreme weather conditions, the device incorporates a weather-resistant material and a waterproof coating. For search and rescue, the device is designed for low-visibility environments and features a navigation-enhancing feature on the multicore optical fiber. For high-temperature environments, the device is adapted to withstand temperatures exceeding 500°C. Each variant leverages the original device's integrated force sensing region and tip integration, ensuring precise shape sensing in diverse settings.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptive designs and materials, which enable the optical shape sensing device to operate effectively in specialized environments. The inventive step is the recognition of the need for tailored solutions and the development of corresponding device variants.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different materials or coatings to achieve the desired properties. Variations may involve integrating additional sensors or features to enhance the device's performance in specific environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and emergency response, where reliable shape sensing is crucial in challenging environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| G | G01 | G01B11/24 |
| G | G01 | G01L1/246 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2061 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/064 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, optical sensing technologies, and minimally invasive medical instrumentation, with expertise in multicore optical fiber shape sensing systems and force measurement techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in engineering, proficient in optical sensing technologies, material science, and medical device design, with knowledge of adapting sensing technologies for specialized environments
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental optical shape sensing device provides a versatile platform for environmental adaptation through predictable material and coating modifications. The core technological framework of the original device inherently supports targeted variations by simply selecting appropriate materials and protective layers. These adaptations represent standard engineering design choices that would be immediately apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to extend the device's operational capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,268 |
|---|---|
| Title | Optical shape sensing device with integrated force sensing region and tip integration |
| Assignee(s) | Koninklijke Philips N.V. |