Enhanced Imaging Element Cleaning Systems for Robotic Surgical Devices
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/70 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,382 |
|---|---|
| Title | Devices, apparatuses, systems and methods for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of an imaging device |
| Assignee(s) | ClearCam, Inc. |