Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Flexible Tube Insertion System with AI-Driven Trajectory Optimization

Publication ID: 24-11857157_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Flexible Tube Insertion System with AI-Driven Trajectory Optimization,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857157_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857157_0005_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 next-generation flexible tube insertion system leveraging AI, machine learning, and autonomous control to optimize insertion trajectories, reduce operator error, and enhance patient safety.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a flexible tube insertion support apparatus relying on manual operator input and limited force detection. However, this approach has limitations in terms of accuracy, speed, and safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing autonomous control, real-time imaging, and AI-driven trajectory optimization to revolutionize flexible tube insertion.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The system comprises a neural network-based AI module that predicts optimal flexible tube insertion trajectories based on real-time imaging data and pipeline section topography. An autonomous insertion controller adjusts flexible tube movement in response to these predictions. Additionally, the system may incorporate a swarm of micro-robots providing real-time imaging data, a wearable augmented reality display for operator guidance, and a nanotechnology-based coating to reduce friction and enhance lubricity.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in flexible tube insertion by integrating AI, machine learning, and autonomous control. The use of real-time imaging data, pipeline section topography, and autonomous control enables a level of precision and safety not achievable with manual operator input.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in AI algorithms, sensor configurations, and autonomous control architectures. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different pipeline sections, such as vascular or industrial applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The autonomous flexible tube insertion system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. The technology could also be applied to industrial pipeline inspection and maintenance, offering a competitive advantage in terms of speed, accuracy, and safety.

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 a focus on biomechanical control and navigation technologies for minimally invasive medical procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, robotics, sensor integration, and control systems, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical technology with 5-7 years of professional experience in medical device innovation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's AI-driven autonomous insertion system represents a predictable technological evolution of the source patent's force-sensing and trajectory control mechanisms. The integration of machine learning, real-time imaging, and autonomous control naturally extends the source patent's core objectives of optimizing flexible tube insertion safety and precision. The disclosed variations leverage known computational techniques and sensor technologies to enhance the fundamental insertion support apparatus described in the original patent.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Processor generating propriety information regarding twisting operations of a flexible tube based on external force quantities
PTD Variation
Neural network-based AI module predicting optimal insertion trajectories using real-time imaging data
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to replace manual force sensing with AI-driven trajectory prediction as a predictable application of machine learning to existing force-based control systems
Source Patent Element
Processor storing and accumulating external force quantities for reference value calculation
PTD Variation
Swarm of micro-robots providing real-time imaging data for insertion trajectory optimization
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending sensor data collection methods through distributed sensing is a known technique in medical device technology, representing an obvious design optimization
Source Patent Element
Flexible tube insertion support apparatus with external force detection
PTD Variation
Nanotechnology-based coating to reduce friction and enhance lubricity during insertion
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science improvements to reduce insertion friction are a predictable solution for enhancing the performance of flexible tube insertion systems
Source Patent Element
Processor generating permission information for twisting operations
PTD Variation
Autonomous insertion controller dynamically adjusting flexible tube movement based on real-time predictions
Obviousness Reasoning
Transitioning from permission-based control to autonomous dynamic adjustment represents an obvious technological progression using standard control system design principles
Source Patent Element
Force quantity calculation and reference value generation
PTD Variation
Wearable augmented reality display providing operator guidance and trajectory visualization
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating advanced visualization technologies with existing medical device control systems is a predictable enhancement using known human-computer interaction techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857157 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations of an AI-driven flexible tube insertion system obvious and anticipated, as the PTD demonstrates that the claimed elements represent predictable combinations of known medical device control techniques and computational methodologies.

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