System and method for endoscope locomotion and shaping

US11517187B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Michael Yip · Village of La Jolla, US
• Kevin Cheng · Village of La Jolla, US
• Dmitrii Votintcev · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2022
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J18/06
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed providing a flexible articulable device for accessing deep within tight and arbitrarily shaped channels of a body. The flexible or articulable device may employ two, independent locomotion strategies. These strategies can be combined or independently used. However, both strategies use a segmented approach that employs one or multiple embedded actuation units along the body of the device. The multiple embedded actuation units may be individually controlled, are generally connected serially, and generally uses one of the locomotion strategies. One strategy relates to propulsion while the other strategy relates to shape control.