Flexible Tube Insertion Support Apparatus for Industrial Inspection
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A flexible tube insertion support apparatus adapted for industrial inspection applications, such as wind turbine blade and oil pipeline inspections, providing real-time support information to facilitate safe and efficient insertion operations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on inserting flexible tubes into pipeline sections of subjects, particularly in medical endoscopy. However, the technology's potential extends beyond medical applications. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying the core technology to industrial inspection scenarios, where the need for efficient and safe flexible tube insertion is equally critical.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The flexible tube insertion support apparatus comprises a processor configured to generate propriety information regarding the twisting operation of the flexible tube based on the force quantity of an external force applied to the flexible tube. This support information is outputted to facilitate the insertion operation of the flexible tube into wind turbine blades or oil pipelines. The processor may further store, accumulate, and calculate reference values from the force quantities, enabling more accurate and reliable support information. The inventive concept's industrial inspection applications benefit from the real-time support information, ensuring safer and more efficient insertion operations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel application of the flexible tube insertion support apparatus to industrial inspection scenarios, specifically wind turbine blade and oil pipeline inspections. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to these new use cases, providing a unique solution for the industrial inspection industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include customized flexible tube insertion support apparatuses for other industrial inspection applications, such as inspecting aircraft wings or ship hulls. Variations may also include integrating the support apparatus with additional sensors or data analytics tools to enhance the insertion operation.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The flexible tube insertion support apparatus for industrial inspection has significant commercial potential in the wind energy and oil and gas industries, where efficient and safe inspection operations are crucial. The target market includes wind turbine manufacturers, oil pipeline operators, and industrial inspection service providers.
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 and industrial endoscopic inspection technologies, focusing on flexible tube insertion systems with force sensing and guidance mechanisms, encompassing medical diagnostic and industrial non-destructive evaluation applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in mechanical systems, sensor integration, and diagnostic/inspection technologies, possessing knowledge of flexible tube manipulation, force measurement, and real-time guidance systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of flexible tube insertion support disclosed in US 11857157 are readily adaptable to alternative inspection domains like industrial applications. The fundamental mechanism of generating propriety information based on external force quantities represents a generalizable approach that can be systematically transferred across different technical contexts with predictable results.
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 |