Adaptive Imaging Element Cleaning Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept disclosed herein adapts the original imaging element cleaning apparatus for specialized environments, including high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, sterile, and space-constrained settings. These adaptations enable effective and efficient cleaning of imaging elements in unique operational contexts.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed imaging element cleaning apparatuses, but these were limited to general-purpose applications. In contrast, the new inventive concept addresses the specific challenges of cleaning imaging elements in specialized environments, where traditional cleaning methods may be inadequate or unreliable.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce various adaptations to the original imaging element cleaning apparatus, including tamper-evident enclosures, portable waterproof housings, weather-resistant housings, sterilizable components, and miniaturized designs. These adaptations enable the imaging element cleaning apparatus to operate effectively in high-security environments, disaster relief settings, extreme weather conditions, sterile environments, and space-constrained environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations to the original imaging element cleaning apparatus, enabling its use in specialized environments. These adaptations provide a significant improvement over the original patent, which did not address the unique challenges of these environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other ways to implement the inventive concept include using alternative materials or designs for the tamper-evident enclosure, waterproof housing, or weather-resistant housing. Additionally, the motion control device could be modified to operate in conjunction with other specialized systems or equipment.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as defense, healthcare, disaster response, and aerospace, where specialized environments and unique operational contexts require adapted imaging element cleaning solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/70 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical imaging systems and surgical instrumentation, specifically focusing on endoscopic and imaging element cleaning technologies with expertise in mechanical design, medical device engineering, and precision motion control systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced technical training, understanding of surgical instrumentation, mechanical design principles, and experience adapting medical technologies for specialized environments
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental imaging element cleaning apparatus provides a versatile base technology that can be readily adapted to different operational contexts through predictable engineering modifications. The PTD's variations represent standard design adaptations that address known environmental challenges in medical and technical imaging systems. These modifications involve applying well-understood engineering techniques like environmental sealing, miniaturization, and specialized motion control to extend the original device's functionality.
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. |