Cleaning Systems for Industrial and Agricultural Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel cleaning systems for industrial and agricultural applications, expanding the scope of cleaning solutions to new industries and use cases.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the need for efficient cleaning of imaging elements in medical devices. However, the limitations of the original patent did not consider the broader potential of the technology in other industries. The inventive concept solves this problem by applying the core technology to new applications, such as cleaning solar panels, wind turbine blades, agricultural equipment, medical instruments, and industrial machinery.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce a range of cleaning systems adapted for engagement with various industrial and agricultural equipment. These systems comprise a robotic arm or cleaning apparatus, a cleaning member, and a control device for controlling movement to facilitate cleaning. The robotic arm or cleaning apparatus is designed to be engaged with the specific equipment, allowing for targeted and efficient cleaning. The control device ensures precise movement and control of the cleaning process.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims demonstrate novelty and inventive step by applying the core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, beyond the original patent's scope. The inventive concept's innovative combination of components and operation enables effective cleaning solutions for a wide range of industrial and agricultural applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the design of the robotic arm or cleaning apparatus to accommodate different equipment sizes and shapes. Additionally, the control device could be modified to incorporate advanced sensors or AI algorithms to optimize cleaning efficiency and precision.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the industrial and agricultural sectors, where efficient cleaning solutions can improve productivity, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall performance. Target industries include solar energy, wind power, agriculture, medical device manufacturing, and industrial equipment manufacturing.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/70 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial robotic cleaning systems, with expertise in precision movement control, attachment mechanisms, and cleaning apparatus design for specialized equipment interfaces
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with advanced mechanical engineering or robotics background, familiar with precision motion control systems, cleaning apparatus design, and interdisciplinary equipment adaptation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core cleaning mechanism principles from the surgical imaging element cleaning patent can be systematically adapted to other domain-specific cleaning applications by substituting equipment interfaces and modifying control parameters while maintaining fundamental movement and attachment strategies. The source patent's core technological contributions of precise robotic cleaning with controlled movement are directly transferable across different technical domains. The variations represent predictable engineering extensions using known design adaptation techniques.
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. |