Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Flexible Tube Insertion Support Apparatus with Real-Time Feedback and Adaptive Control

Publication ID: 24-11857157_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Flexible Tube Insertion Support Apparatus with Real-Time Feedback and Adaptive Control,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857157_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857157_0006_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

An innovative flexible tube insertion support apparatus that leverages machine learning algorithms, real-time feedback, and adaptive control to optimize the twisting operation, ensuring safer and more efficient insertion procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a flexible tube insertion support apparatus with limitations in terms of static force quantity calculation and lack of real-time feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing machine learning-based real-time feedback, adaptive control, and user-defined safety thresholds, enabling more efficient and safer flexible tube insertion procedures.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced flexible tube insertion support apparatus comprises a processor configured to generate real-time feedback on twisting operation propriety based on machine learning algorithms analyzing historical force quantity data and user input. The apparatus also features a control device that adapts to varying pipeline section geometries and automatically adjusts the twisting operation accordingly. Additionally, the system includes at least one external force detector, a processor configured to calculate force quantities and generate propriety information, and a display device providing visual feedback on the propriety information and recommended twisting operations.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the novelty of machine learning-based real-time feedback, adaptive control, and user-defined safety thresholds, which are non-obvious improvements over the original patent. These advancements enable more efficient and safer flexible tube insertion procedures, distinguishing the new inventive concept from the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include implementing different machine learning algorithms, incorporating additional sensors for enhanced pipeline section geometry detection, or integrating the apparatus with existing endoscope systems. Variations could also involve adapting the apparatus for use in different medical procedures or industries, such as industrial pipeline inspection.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced flexible tube insertion support apparatus has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in the fields of endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. The apparatus could also be adapted for use in industrial pipeline inspection, providing a safer and more efficient solution for inspecting complex pipeline systems.

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 insertion support systems with force sensing and control mechanisms for flexible medical instruments, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, sensor technologies, and medical device design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in sensor integration, control systems, machine learning applications in medical technology, and understanding of flexible tube insertion mechanics

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that incorporating machine learning algorithms and adaptive control into the existing force-sensing flexible tube insertion apparatus represents a predictable technological evolution. The source patent's foundational work on force detection and propriety information generation provides a clear technical framework that would naturally suggest implementing more sophisticated real-time feedback and adaptive control mechanisms. The PTD's variations represent incremental improvements using standard engineering techniques available to those skilled in medical device design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Processor configured to generate propriety information regarding twisting operation based on external force quantities
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms analyzing historical force quantity data to generate real-time feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to existing force sensing is a known technique for improving predictive capabilities, representing an obvious enhancement to existing control systems
Source Patent Element
Force quantity storage and accumulation by processor
PTD Variation
Adaptive control device that adjusts twisting operation based on pipeline section geometry
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending force data analysis to geometric adaptation is a predictable design optimization using standard control system principles
Source Patent Element
External force detection and propriety information generation
PTD Variation
User-defined safety thresholds integrated with propriety information system
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating user parameters into existing safety monitoring represents a standard method of personalizing medical device control systems
Source Patent Element
Processor for calculating and storing force quantities
PTD Variation
Display device providing visual feedback on propriety information and recommended actions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding visual interface to existing data processing is a standard user experience enhancement in medical device design
Source Patent Element
Flexible tube insertion support apparatus with force sensing
PTD Variation
Expanded application to multiple pipeline section geometries and industrial inspection scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Generalizing medical device technologies to broader applications is a common engineering practice with predictable technological transfer
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857157, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in flexible tube insertion support apparatus would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The incremental technological improvements represent predictable combinations of known techniques in force sensing, machine learning, and adaptive control systems, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipatable as 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