Steerable Catheter Systems for Industrial, Environmental, and Infrastructure Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the controlled steering functionality of implant-delivery tools to develop novel systems and methods for industrial process monitoring and control, environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and infrastructure inspection and repair.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the limitations of steerable catheters in valve repair, but its core technology has broader implications. The new inventive concept tackles the challenges of navigating complex industrial piping, environmental waterways, and infrastructure conduits, enabling precise monitoring, inspection, and maintenance in these domains.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a multi-component tubular system providing one or more rotationally-controlled steering catheters, configured for navigating through industrial piping, environmental waterways, or infrastructure conduits. A control unit receives sensor data and transmits control signals to the steering catheters, enabling precise navigation and task execution. The system can be adapted for various applications, including industrial process monitoring, environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and infrastructure inspection and repair.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the controlled steering functionality to non-medical fields, providing a non-obvious solution to the challenges of navigating complex industrial and environmental systems. The inventive concept's adaptability to various industries and use cases demonstrates its innovative step beyond the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modified catheter designs, specialized sensors, and customized control units tailored to specific industries or applications. Variations may also involve integrating the steering catheter system with other technologies, such as robotics, drones, or autonomous vehicles, to enhance its capabilities and reach.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and infrastructure maintenance. The market demand for efficient, precise, and adaptable solutions in these domains is substantial, and the inventive concept is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2427 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/068 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/105 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2445 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2466 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0054 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0068 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/01 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0105 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0108 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0136 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0147 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0662 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00305 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00314 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00323 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00367 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0649 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/293 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/0811 |
| A | A61 | A61F2210/0014 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/001 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0098 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/005 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0133 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/0004 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/0006 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/015 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/0681 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering and robotic navigation systems, with expertise in catheter design, steering mechanisms, and multi-component tubular systems for precise navigation through complex environments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering, experienced in medical device design, robotic control systems, and understanding of steering mechanisms for tubular devices
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental steering mechanism disclosed in the source patent as readily adaptable to non-medical industrial and environmental applications. The core technical principle of a rotationally-controlled tubular system with pull-wire steering is universally applicable across different navigation contexts. The PTD demonstrates a straightforward translation of medical device steering technology to alternative domains using predictable engineering modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,415 |
|---|---|
| Title | Controlled steering functionality for implant-delivery tool |
| Assignee(s) | Edwards Lifesciences Innovation (Israel) Ltd. |