Absorbent Guide for Endoscope Channel Residual Liquid Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting residual liquid in endoscope channels are either indirect, inefficient, or unsuitable for narrow channels, leading to potential contamination risks and incomplete drying.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible guide member and absorbent material is inserted into the channel to directly detect and absorb residual liquids, which can then be analyzed for presence using indicator papers or solutions, allowing for direct and sensitive detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a borescope is used to inspect channels, then visual detection of residual liquid is improved, but the method becomes ineffective for narrow channels with sharp bends and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidchannel accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the detection function from complex optical devices (borescopes) and implements it through a simple absorbent material that can be inserted into channels. The absorbent material is pulled through the channel after cleaning, and residual liquid is detected by observing whether the material remains wet, providing a universally applicable solution for channels of various sizes and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a disposable absorbent material (such as a q-tip or similar item) that is inexpensive and single-use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex borescopes and their maintenance, while ensuring the detection tool itself does not become a source of cross-contamination between patients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If water indicator paper with compressed air is used, then residual liquid detection is performed, but up to 250 μL of liquid can be missed due to evaporation or insufficient air pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent material is inserted into the channel during the cleaning process itself, allowing it to directly contact and absorb residual liquid as it flows through the channel. This preliminary absorption action ensures that liquid is captured before it can evaporate or be pushed past the detection point by compressed air

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent material serves as an intermediary between the residual liquid and the detection system. Instead of using compressed air to force liquid out to a detection point, the absorbent material directly absorbs the liquid throughout its path through the channel, providing more sensitive and reliable detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a borescope is used for channel inspection, then detailed visualization is achieved, but the risk of cross-contamination increases and sterilization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a disposable absorbent material that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the cross-contamination risk associated with reusing borescopes, as each new patient receives a fresh, sterile detection tool that has never contacted previous patients' fluids or environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent material serves dual purposes: it is used for cleaning the channel and then for detecting residual liquid. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate inspection equipment, reducing the opportunities for cross-contamination between cleaning and inspection steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides a direct, sensitive, and effective method to detect residual liquids in all endoscope channels, including narrow ones, without the need for compressed air, reducing contamination risks and ensuring thorough drying.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent material arranged on at least one end of the elongated member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

Water indicator paper utilizes test paper that is impregnated with either Copper Sulfate or Cobalt Chloride, which allows detection of water and water vapor. On contact with water the paper changes color

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change indicator: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentUS12193890B2Detection of residual fluid in endoscope channels

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

AI summary

A device and method for testing for the presence of liquid in a cannula of a medical instrument is described. The device includes a flexible guide member having a first end, a second end and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an elongated member arranged within the flexible guide member, and an absorbent material attached to one of the elongated member. The flexible guide member is inserted into the cannula, the flexible guide member is manipulated to cause the absorbent material to move through the cannula. The absorbent material is analyzed for the presence of liquid.