Robotic-Assisted Solutions for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of robotic-assisted revision procedures to create novel solutions for inspecting and repairing damaged wind turbine blades, automated cleaning of industrial piping systems, precision harvesting of agricultural crops, robotic-assisted maintenance of infrastructure, and search and rescue operations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the limitations of manual revision surgeries, proposing a robotic-assisted solution for improved accuracy and reduced bone loss. However, the same core technology can be adapted to address distinct challenges in various industries. For instance, wind turbine blades suffer from damage, industrial piping systems require efficient cleaning, agricultural crops need precision harvesting, infrastructure demands effective maintenance, and search and rescue operations require rapid clearing of debris.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a robotic-assisted platform, precision cutting tools, and real-time monitoring systems. In the context of wind turbine blades, the platform navigates and assesses the blade's surface, while the cutting tool removes damaged material, and the monitoring system tracks the removal process. Similarly, in industrial piping systems, the robotic-assisted cleaning device deploys within the piping system, using sensors and cameras to identify and track debris and blockages, and precision cutting tools to remove obstructions. In agricultural crops, the navigation system identifies and tracks crop rows and plant health, the precision cutting tool selectively harvests crops, and the real-time monitoring system optimizes crop yield and minimizes waste. In infrastructure maintenance, the robotic-assisted inspection device identifies and tracks defects and damage, the precision cutting tool removes damaged material, and the repair materials restore infrastructure integrity. In search and rescue operations, the navigation system identifies and tracks potential rescue sites, the precision cutting tool clears debris and creates access paths, and the real-time monitoring system tracks rescue progress and minimizes risk.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the core technology, expanding its scope beyond orthopedic surgeries. The inventive step lies in adapting the robotic-assisted platform, precision cutting tools, and real-time monitoring systems to address distinct challenges in various industries, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of the original patent's concepts.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include variations in robotic platform design, cutting tool materials, and monitoring system algorithms to accommodate specific industry requirements. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in other industries, such as aerospace, construction, or environmental remediation.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the wind energy, industrial piping, agricultural, infrastructure maintenance, and search and rescue markets. By providing efficient, accurate, and cost-effective solutions, the inventive concept can improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance safety in these industries.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/055 |
| A | A61 | A61B6/032 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/0875 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/15 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1703 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/361 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/37 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/102 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/105 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2055 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2065 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3983 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic-assisted surgical and precision intervention technologies, encompassing medical robotics, sensor-guided navigation systems, and precision cutting/removal techniques across multiple domains including orthopedics, industrial maintenance, and search and rescue operations
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A multidisciplinary engineer or technologist with expertise in robotics, sensor integration, precision control systems, and adaptive navigation technologies, capable of translating core robotic intervention principles across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental technical transfer of robotic-assisted precision intervention principles from orthopedic surgery to other domains as a predictable engineering adaptation. The core technological elements - robotic navigation, precision cutting, and real-time monitoring - represent generalizable technological capabilities that can be systematically applied across different contextual environments. The source patent's fundamental innovations in tracked instrument positioning, surface interaction, and guided removal can be directly mapped to alternative industrial and rescue applications with minimal conceptual transformation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,270 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for a robotic-assisted revision procedure |
| Assignee(s) | MAKO Surgical Corp. |