18442897. SEAL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR FLEXIBLE ELOGNATE DEVICE simplified abstract (Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.)

SEAL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR FLEXIBLE ELOGNATE DEVICE

Organization Name

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Pak Yan Yuen of Los Altos CA (US)

Joseph Bogusky of San Jose CA (US)

Joseph Callol of San Francisco CA (US)

Jason Chan of Fremont CA (US)

Vijay Thadani of San Jose CA (US)

Arnold Chen of San Jose CA (US)

Saul Hernandez Morales of San Jose CA (US)

Worth Walters of Campbell CA (US)

David Solum of Santa Cruz CA (US)

Wadiyat Abbas of Cupertino CA (US)

Majeed Foad of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Lucas Gordon of Santa Barbara CA (US)

Stephen Kaplan of San Carlos CA (US)

SEAL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR FLEXIBLE ELOGNATE DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18442897 titled 'SEAL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR FLEXIBLE ELOGNATE DEVICE

The patent application describes flexible elongate devices with an articulable body portion controlled by pull wires attached to a control structure. The control structure has a sealing surface functionalized by a primer and a polymer material to create a seal.

• The control structure includes a metallic material with a sealing surface functionalized by a primer.
• A polymer material is disposed onto the sealing surface to create a seal between the control structure and the polymer material.
• The control structure has a plurality of control segments stacked along a longitudinal axis, each defining a pull wire aperture.
• Pull wire apertures of adjacent control segments are offset relative to one another, creating a non-linear shape for the pull wire.

Potential Applications: - Medical devices for minimally invasive surgeries - Industrial inspection tools for hard-to-reach areas - Robotics for precise movements in constrained spaces

Problems Solved: - Improved control and articulation of elongate devices - Enhanced sealing between control structure and polymer material - Increased flexibility and maneuverability in various applications

Benefits: - Greater precision and accuracy in device articulation - Reduced risk of leaks or malfunctions due to improved sealing - Enhanced performance in complex environments

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Flexible Elongate Devices for Medical and Industrial Use This technology can be used in medical procedures, industrial inspections, and robotics, offering improved control and flexibility for various applications. The market implications include increased efficiency, accuracy, and safety in operations.

Prior Art: Readers can start searching for prior art related to flexible elongate devices, articulable control structures, and polymer sealing techniques in the fields of medical devices, robotics, and industrial tools.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay informed about the latest advancements in flexible elongate devices, control structures, and polymer materials for sealing applications to ensure you are utilizing the most cutting-edge technology.

Questions about Flexible Elongate Devices: 1. How do flexible elongate devices improve maneuverability in medical procedures? 2. What are the key advantages of using polymer materials for sealing in control structures?

Original Abstract Submitted

Flexible elongate devices and methods include an articulable body portion and a control structure attached with one or more pull wires that control articulation of the articulable body portion. The control structure includes a metallic material that defines a sealing surface functionalized by a primer. A polymer material disposed onto the sealing surface of the control structure creates a seal between the control structure and polymer material. Flexible elongate devices and methods also include a control structure and a pull wire configured to control articulation of the flexible elongate device. The control structure includes a plurality of control segments stacked along a longitudinal axis, where each of the control segments define a pull wire aperture, where pull wire apertures of adjacent control segments are offset relative to one another, such that a portion of the pull wire extending through the pull wire apertures has a non-linear shape.