Flexible Tube Insertion Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857157_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Flexible Tube Insertion Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857157_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857157_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,157.

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

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Medical device technology, specifically endoscopic and flexible tube insertion systems with emphasis on procedural support apparatus and control mechanisms for medical imaging and diagnostic equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in endoscopic technologies, signal processing, force sensing, and adaptive control systems, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in medical instrumentation design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's niche environment adaptations represent predictable engineering variations of the source patent's core flexible tube insertion technology. The fundamental insertion support apparatus framework remains consistent, with specialized modules added to address specific operational contexts. These modifications represent standard design practice of extending core medical device technologies into specialized application domains through modular component integration.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Processor configured to generate propriety information regarding twisting operations of a flexible tube based on external force quantities
PTD Variation
Security module that encrypts support information for high-security facility deployments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding encryption to existing information processing is a known technique for protecting sensitive operational data, representing a predictable design choice for secure environments
Source Patent Element
Force quantity detection and accumulation mechanisms for tube insertion monitoring
PTD Variation
Hazard detection module that alerts operators to potential insertion risks
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending the existing sensing and monitoring capabilities to include environmental risk detection is an obvious enhancement using known sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Processor for generating and storing insertion operation information
PTD Variation
Communication module transmitting insertion status to remote command centers
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing remote data transmission is a standard engineering approach for expanding operational monitoring capabilities, utilizing well-established communication protocols
Source Patent Element
External force detection and propriety calculation mechanisms
PTD Variation
Waterproof housing and heating module for extreme weather condition adaptations
Obviousness Reasoning
Environmental protection through housing design and temperature management represents a routine engineering solution for extending device operational ranges
Source Patent Element
Flexible tube insertion support apparatus with processor-based control systems
PTD Variation
Self-contained power source and satellite communication for remote location deployments
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating alternative power and communication technologies is an obvious design iteration for expanding operational contexts using known technological substitutions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857157's disclosure of a flexible tube insertion support apparatus, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through predictable combinations of known medical device design techniques, thereby rendering subsequent claims involving similar niche environment adaptations anticipated and non-patentable prior art.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,157
TitleFlexible tube insertion support apparatus, flexible tube insertion apparatus, and flexible tube insertion method
Assignee(s)OLYMPUS CORPORATION