Flexible Tube Insertion Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A family of flexible tube insertion systems tailored to specific, challenging operational environments, such as high-security facilities, disaster relief operations, extreme weather conditions, hazardous environments, and remote or inaccessible locations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original flexible tube insertion support apparatus, flexible tube insertion apparatus, and flexible tube insertion method (patent title) were designed for general use cases. However, these systems may not be suitable for niche environments where unique challenges and constraints exist. For instance, high-security facilities require encryption of support information to prevent unauthorized access, while disaster relief operations necessitate real-time communication with remote command centers. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the flexible tube insertion technology to these specific environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce specialized variations of the flexible tube insertion system, each designed for a particular niche environment. Claim 1 presents a system for high-security facilities, featuring a security module that encrypts support information. Claim 2 describes a method for disaster relief operations, utilizing a communication module to transmit insertion status to a remote command center. Claim 3 discloses a flexible tube insertion apparatus for extreme weather conditions, with a waterproof housing and heating module. Claim 4 outlines a system for hazardous environments, incorporating a hazard detection module to alert the operator. Claim 5 details a method for remote or inaccessible locations, employing a self-contained power source and satellite communication module.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the flexible tube insertion technology to specific niche environments, providing unique solutions for these challenging operational contexts. The inventive step lies in the integration of specialized components and modules that address the particular requirements of each environment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations of the security module, communication module, waterproof housing, heating module, hazard detection module, and satellite communication module to accommodate diverse niche environments. Additional adaptations could focus on integrating the flexible tube insertion system with other specialized tools or equipment, such as robotic arms or sensors, to enhance its functionality in these environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, oil and gas, and environmental monitoring. The ability to adapt the flexible tube insertion technology to niche environments can open up new market opportunities and provide competitive advantages for companies operating in these sectors.
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 |
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 |