Adaptive Optical Shape Sensing Devices for Niche Environments

This inventive concept adapts optical shape sensing devices with integrated force sensing regions and tip integration for specialized applications in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, and harsh environmental conditions.

The original patent disclosed an optical shape sensing device for minimally invasive medical procedures, but its design limitations restrict its use in other demanding environments. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the device for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, ensuring reliable performance and accuracy in diverse settings.

The inventive concept comprises an optical shape sensing device with integrated force sensing region and tip integration, adapted for use in various niche environments. In the high-security variant, the device is designed to detect tampering or unauthorized access, while in the disaster relief variant, it is configured to detect structural integrity of rescue pathways in rubble or debris-filled environments. For extreme weather conditions, the device is adapted to withstand harsh environmental factors, such as high winds or temperatures, to detect sagging or tensioning of power lines or survivors in avalanche or landslide scenarios. In the offshore oil rig inspection variant, the device is designed to withstand harsh marine environments and detect structural integrity of the rig's support structures.

The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original optical shape sensing device, including the integration of specialized materials, designs, and sensors to enable reliable operation in diverse, demanding environments. The inventive step lies in the tailored design and configuration of the device to address specific challenges and requirements in each niche environment.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the type and configuration of sensors, materials, and designs to suit different environments. For example, using fiber Bragg gratings or distributed temperature sensing for high-temperature applications or integrating GPS and accelerometers for enhanced navigation in search and rescue operations.

The adaptive optical shape sensing devices have significant commercial potential in various industries, including high-security government and military applications, disaster relief and search and rescue operations, offshore oil rig inspection and maintenance, and extreme weather monitoring and surveillance.