Enhanced Flexible Tube Insertion Support Apparatus with Operator Feedback and Safety Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved flexible tube insertion support apparatus that provides tactile feedback to operators, adjusts twisting operations in real-time, and alerts operators to potential twisting operation failures, enhancing the safety and efficiency of flexible tube insertion procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a flexible tube insertion support apparatus that generated propriety information regarding twisting operations based on external force quantities. However, it lacked operator feedback mechanisms, real-time adjustment capabilities, and safety features to prevent twisting operation failures. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a vibration module for tactile feedback, a motorized drive system for real-time adjustments, and a warning module for alerting operators to potential failures.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced flexible tube insertion support apparatus comprises a processor that generates propriety information regarding twisting operations based on external force quantities. The apparatus also features a vibration module that provides tactile feedback to operators based on the generated propriety information, enabling them to adjust their twisting operations accordingly. Additionally, the apparatus includes a motorized drive system that adjusts the twisting operation of the flexible tube in real-time based on the propriety information. Furthermore, a warning module is integrated to alert operators when the propriety information indicates a risk of twisting operation failure. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a sensor module that detects the force quantity of an external force applied to the flexible tube and transmits the detected force quantity to the control device for generating propriety information.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the vibration module, motorized drive system, and warning module, which provide a non-obvious improvement over the original patent by enhancing operator feedback, real-time adjustment capabilities, and safety features. These features collectively enable more efficient and safer flexible tube insertion procedures.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of feedback mechanisms, such as visual or auditory cues, or integrating the apparatus with other medical devices, such as endoscopes or robotic systems. Variations could also include using different algorithms for generating propriety information or adjusting the twisting operation based on operator preferences or specific medical procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced flexible tube insertion support apparatus has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of endoscopy, gastroenterology, and minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, offering improved safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes in flexible tube insertion procedures.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/00055 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00009 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/009 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/0057 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00096 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00097 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/061 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/065 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/044 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology, specifically endoscopic and flexible tube insertion support systems, involving biomedical engineering, medical instrumentation design, and human-machine interaction for minimally invasive medical procedures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in endoscopic technologies, sensor integration, control systems, and human factors engineering, possessing advanced degrees and practical experience in developing medical instrumentation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core concepts by adding standard feedback and safety mechanisms commonly used in medical device design. The additional features like vibration feedback, motorized adjustment, and warning systems are logical incremental improvements that address known challenges in flexible tube insertion procedures. These variations represent standard design optimization techniques within the medical device technology domain.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,157 |
|---|---|
| Title | Flexible tube insertion support apparatus, flexible tube insertion apparatus, and flexible tube insertion method |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS CORPORATION |