Adaptable Surgical Instrument Steering Inputs for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857284_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptable Surgical Instrument Steering Inputs for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857284_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857284_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,284.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept adapts surgical instrument steering inputs for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, or extreme weather conditions, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of teleoperated robotic systems.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for surgical instrument steering inputs provides a foundation for teleoperated robotic systems. However, these systems may not be suitable for specialized environments, where security, extreme weather conditions, or limited infrastructure pose unique challenges. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the steering input devices to meet the specific demands of these environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adapted surgical instrument steering inputs incorporate advanced encryption protocols, extreme weather-resistant materials, and portable energy sources to enable secure and reliable operation in high-security, disaster relief, or extreme weather conditions. The system includes a teleoperated robotic system, surgical instruments with steering input devices, and a communication device for establishing a secure communication link. The input devices are designed to operate in low atmospheric pressures, high temperatures, and humidity, ensuring optimal performance in diverse environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of surgical instrument steering inputs for specialized environments, introducing advanced encryption protocols, extreme weather-resistant materials, and portable energy sources to ensure secure and reliable operation. This adaptation is non-obvious compared to the original patent, as it requires a deep understanding of the specific challenges and requirements of these environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adapting the steering input devices for use in underwater or space exploration environments, or integrating them with autonomous robotic systems. Variations could also include using different encryption protocols, materials, or energy sources to suit specific environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adapted surgical instrument steering inputs have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The target market includes hospitals, emergency response organizations, and research institutions operating in specialized environments, where the inventive concept's adaptability and reliability can provide a competitive edge.

Field of Art

Robotic surgical systems and teleoperated medical instrumentation, with expertise in mechanical design, control systems, and surgical instrument ergonomics

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with advanced degrees, experience in robotic medical device design, understanding of surgical instrument kinematics, communication protocols, and environmental adaptation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting surgical instrument steering inputs for specialized environments represents a predictable engineering variation of the source patent's core technology. The fundamental steering mechanism remains consistent, with modifications focused on environmental resilience and operational context. These adaptations would be considered routine design optimization within the field of surgical robotics.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument with drive shaft, capstan, and input device housing
PTD Variation
Adding encryption protocols and secure communication links to the steering input device
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing communication security is a known technique in robotic systems, representing a predictable solution to prevent unauthorized access in high-security applications
Source Patent Element
Instrument shaft with end effector and input device
PTD Variation
Modifying material composition to withstand extreme temperatures and low atmospheric pressures
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for environmental resilience is a standard engineering practice, with finite known approaches for adapting mechanical components to challenging conditions
Source Patent Element
Teleoperated robotic surgical instrument with steering inputs
PTD Variation
Integrating portable energy sources for remote or disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing alternative power solutions for medical devices is a predictable engineering challenge with multiple known approaches in the field
Source Patent Element
Input device with drive shaft and capstan mechanism
PTD Variation
Adapting steering inputs for underwater or space exploration environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending surgical robotic technology to alternative operational contexts represents a logical and foreseeable technological progression
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857284's disclosure of surgical instrument steering inputs, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the variations in specialized environment adaptations, communication security, and operational flexibility to be obvious extensions of the foundational surgical robotic technology, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,284
TitleSurgical instrument steering inputs
Assignee(s)INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.