Flexible Tube Insertion Support for Industrial Pipeline Maintenance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A system and method for monitoring and predicting pipeline corrosion in industrial settings using a flexible tube insertion support apparatus, optimizing pipeline inspection and maintenance planning.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a flexible tube insertion support apparatus for medical endoscope applications. However, pipeline corrosion in industrial settings is a significant problem, resulting in costly repairs, downtime, and environmental hazards. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to industrial pipeline maintenance, enabling early detection of corrosion and optimized inspection and maintenance schedules.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The flexible tube insertion support apparatus is configured to output support information for supporting an insertion operation of a flexible tube into a pipeline section. The support information is used to detect anomalies indicative of corrosion. The apparatus generates propriety information regarding the propriety of a twisting operation of the flexible tube in accordance with a force quantity of an external force applied to the flexible tube. This propriety information is used to identify areas of the pipeline requiring more frequent inspection. A planning module is further configured to use the propriety information to schedule maintenance activities and allocate resources.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel application of the flexible tube insertion support apparatus to industrial pipeline maintenance, leveraging the core technology to detect corrosion and optimize inspection and maintenance schedules. This inventive step is non-obvious compared to the original patent, which focused solely on medical endoscope applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using the flexible tube insertion support apparatus for other industrial applications, such as monitoring and predicting corrosion in oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, or power generation facilities. Variations may include integrating the apparatus with existing pipeline inspection systems or developing new sensors and detectors to enhance the accuracy of corrosion detection.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the industrial pipeline maintenance market, where corrosion detection and prevention are critical to ensuring the integrity and efficiency of pipeline operations. The target industries include oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and aerospace, with potential applications in monitoring and predicting corrosion in confined spaces.
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/pipeline inspection technologies involving flexible tube insertion and force monitoring systems, with expertise in sensor-based diagnostic and support apparatuses
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A technical professional with advanced engineering or biomedical background, familiar with sensor integration, signal processing, diagnostic systems, and cross-domain technology adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize the fundamental technical principles of the source patent's flexible tube insertion support apparatus are readily adaptable to industrial pipeline inspection contexts. The core technological mechanism of generating propriety information based on external force quantities is fundamentally transferable across different application domains. The PTD demonstrates a predictable extension of the original medical endoscope technology into industrial maintenance and diagnostic scenarios.
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 |