Adaptive Surgical Instruments for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A surgical instrument system adaptable for high-security, extreme weather, disaster relief, low-connectivity, and high-altitude environments, ensuring optimal performance in unique operational settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent 'Articulation joint with helical lumen' provided a foundational design for surgical instruments. However, it lacked adaptability for specialized environments, limiting its applicability in high-security, extreme weather, disaster relief, low-connectivity, and high-altitude scenarios. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating novel features and configurations to enable the surgical instrument to operate effectively in these niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive surgical instrument system comprises a helical lumen-based articulation joint, designed to resist tampering or unauthorized access in high-security environments. For extreme weather conditions, the system includes low-temperature resistant materials and insulation. In disaster relief operations, the instrument is configured for use with limited or emergency power sources. For low-connectivity areas, the system enables low-bandwidth data transmission. Finally, for high-altitude environments, the instrument is adapted for operation in low-oxygen environments. These specialized configurations ensure optimal performance and safety in unique operational settings.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features and configurations that adapt the original articulation joint with helical lumen for specialized environments. The inventive step lies in the integration of these features, which provide a unique solution for the specific challenges posed by high-security, extreme weather, disaster relief, low-connectivity, and high-altitude environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different materials or coatings to enhance the instrument's resistance to extreme temperatures or corrosive environments. Variations could also include integrating sensors or monitoring systems to track the instrument's performance in real-time, enabling more precise control and feedback.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive surgical instrument system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, robotics, and disaster relief. The system's ability to operate effectively in specialized environments makes it an attractive solution for hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies operating in these areas.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic and laparoscopic surgical instrument design, with expertise in articulation mechanisms, mechanical engineering, and medical device adaptability
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical instrument design, familiar with robotic surgical systems, articulation joint technologies, and material adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental helical lumen articulation joint provides a flexible architectural foundation that can be readily adapted to specialized environmental conditions. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications that leverage the existing articulation joint design to address specific operational challenges. These adaptations involve standard design techniques like material selection, power management, and communication protocol optimization that are well within a skilled practitioner's capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,283 |
|---|---|
| Title | Articulation joint with helical lumen |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |