Adjustable Test Device for Endoscope Washing Machine Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test devices for endoscope washing machines cannot accurately simulate the behavior of real endoscopes, leading to inadequate detection of blockages and leaks, which is crucial for effective cleaning and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A generic test device with an adjustable test space and volume, capable of simulating various endoscopes by adjusting channel lengths, flow resistances, and leak test chambers, equipped with pressure gauges and flow meters, and featuring a self-contained power supply for data storage or transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple closure adapter is used to block a connection on a washing machine, then it can be used to check whether the washing machine's test device correctly detects a blocked channel, but the test device cannot determine whether it really correctly detects errors in a real endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The test device employs adjustable channel elements that can dynamically change their configuration to simulate different endoscope channel conditions. The channels can be adjusted between patent (open) and blocked states, allowing the test device to accurately represent real endoscope conditions while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device changes physical parameters of the channel system, specifically the flow resistance and channel patency, to simulate different endoscope states. By adjusting these parameters, the device can accurately detect blockages while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
2Reliability
If test devices are designed to be adjustable to simulate real endoscopes, then reliable test results can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is divided into separate functional modules including adjustable channel elements, flow resistance elements, and detection components. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable while maintaining high reliability in test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device is designed with universal features that can simulate multiple types of endoscope channel configurations. The adjustable channels and flow resistance elements can represent different endoscope designs, allowing a single test device to reliably test various scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Measurement precision
If the test space is designed as adjustable with volume-adjustable leak test chamber, then the leak test device of the washing machine can be checked accurately, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test device creates a simplified copy of the endoscope's leak-prone structures, particularly the interior space and sealing interfaces. This copied geometry allows accurate leak detection testing without requiring the full complexity of manufacturing a complete endoscope replica, thus maintaining manufacturing feasibility while achieving high measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If the test channel is provided with adjustable flow resistance, then the flow resistance of real endoscope channels can be simulated exactly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistance elements are designed to be adjustable, allowing the test device to dynamically match the flow resistance characteristics of different endoscope channels. This dynamic adjustment capability enables accurate simulation of real endoscope conditions while using relatively simple resistance adjustment mechanisms rather than complex fixed-geometry channel systems.
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
Enables reliable simulation of real endoscopes, allowing for precise testing of the test device's functionality, ensuring effective detection of blockages and leaks, and improving the overall cleaning and disinfection process.
Implementation Method 1
The test device is preferably provided with a flow meter, with which the flow rate can be immediately checked
Implementation Method 2
a pressure gauge is preferably connected to the test chamber
Implementation Method 3
Washing machines therefore have leak test devices which apply positive or negative air pressure to the interior of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a test device (30) for testing the inspection device (23, 24) of a washing machine for endoscopes (1), the inspection device (23, 24) comprising a connection (19, 20, 27) that can be sealingly connected to an opening (6, 7, 10) of an endoscope (1) and feeding a fluid under pressure, said connector having a flow meter (21, 222) and/or a pressure transducer (28), and the test device (30) comprising at least one test chamber (34, 35, 70, 71, 46, 47, 48, 57, 58) that can be sealingly connected to the connector (19, 20, 27) by means of a test opening (32, 42, 43, 56, 68, 69), characterized in that the test chamber (34, 35, 70, 71, 46, 47, 48, 57, 58) is designed to be adjustable.