Enhanced Imaging Element Cleaning Systems for Robotic Surgical Devices

Publication ID: 24-11857382_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Imaging Element Cleaning Systems for Robotic Surgical Devices,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857382_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857382_0001_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. 11,857,382.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The disclosed inventive concept introduces advanced features and functionalities to existing imaging element cleaning devices, enhancing their efficiency, safety, and adaptability in robotic surgical applications.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of an imaging device. However, these existing solutions have limitations, such as inefficient cleaning, restricted adaptability, and lack of real-time monitoring. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features, including vacuum sources, temperature control systems, and ultrasonic cleaning modules, to provide more effective and efficient cleaning processes.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced imaging element cleaning systems comprise a surgical system attachment body, a sheath assembly, and advanced features such as vacuum sources, temperature control systems, and ultrasonic cleaning modules. The systems facilitate efficient cleaning of imaging elements through rotational and axial movement actuators, while the vacuum source and ultrasonic cleaning module enhance cleaning efficiency. The temperature control system enables precise temperature management, and the sensor-integrated sheath assembly allows for real-time monitoring of the cleaning process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces non-obvious advancements over the original patent, including the integration of vacuum sources, temperature control systems, and ultrasonic cleaning modules, which provide enhanced cleaning efficiency, safety, and adaptability. These advancements are not obvious from the original patent and demonstrate a significant inventive step.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the design and implementation of the vacuum source, temperature control system, and ultrasonic cleaning module. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other medical or industrial applications, such as endoscopy or quality control inspections.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced imaging element cleaning systems have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in robotic surgical applications. The market for these systems is expected to grow as the demand for advanced surgical technologies increases. The inventive concept's adaptability and efficiency make it an attractive solution for medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B90/70
A A61 A61B34/30

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically surgical imaging and cleaning systems, focusing on endoscopic and robotic surgical technologies with expertise in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and precision cleaning mechanisms

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical device design, familiar with robotic surgical systems, imaging technologies, and cleaning methodologies for medical instruments

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable variations of the source patent's core imaging element cleaning apparatus. The additional features like vacuum sources, temperature control, and ultrasonic cleaning modules are well-known techniques in medical device engineering for improving cleaning efficiency. These modifications represent standard design iterations that would be obvious to implement given the existing technological framework of the source patent.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Surgical system attachment body with scope sheath and cleaning member
PTD Variation
Integration of vacuum source for enhanced cleaning efficiency
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding a vacuum source is a known technique for improving cleaning performance, representing a predictable solution to enhance the existing cleaning mechanism
Source Patent Element
Rotational and axial movement control for cleaning apparatus
PTD Variation
Temperature control system for heating or cooling the cleaning member
Obviousness Reasoning
Temperature modification is a standard approach in medical device design for improving cleaning effectiveness, representing a finite identified solution to enhance cleaning performance
Source Patent Element
Imaging element cleaning apparatus with coupling element
PTD Variation
Ultrasonic cleaning module integrated into sheath assembly
Obviousness Reasoning
Ultrasonic cleaning is a well-established technique in medical instrument processing, representing an obvious enhancement to existing cleaning methodologies
Source Patent Element
Surgical system attachment mechanism
PTD Variation
Sensor-integrated sheath assembly for real-time monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding monitoring sensors is a common design improvement in medical technologies, representing a predictable extension of existing device capabilities
Source Patent Element
Scope sheath with cleaning member
PTD Variation
Fluid channel for applying cleaning solution during cleaning process
Obviousness Reasoning
Introducing controlled fluid application is a standard engineering approach for improving cleaning efficiency, representing an obvious modification to existing cleaning systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857382 and the disclosed technical variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed enhancements to imaging element cleaning systems to be obvious and lacking inventive step. The proposed modifications represent predictable technological improvements that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring extraordinary innovation or unexpected results.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,382
TitleDevices, apparatuses, systems and methods for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of an imaging device
Assignee(s)ClearCam, Inc.