Coiled Tube Endoscope Reprocessor with Oriented Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes are difficult to decontaminate effectively, posing a risk of infection due to their complex design and the inefficiency of existing reprocessing methods.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope reprocessor featuring a coiled tube with strategically oriented nozzles and a manifold system that delivers disinfectant fluid at varying flow rates to float and agitate the insertion tube, enhancing microbial reduction and disinfection efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional submersion disinfection method is used, then the endoscope can be disinfected, but the disinfection efficacy is insufficient due to complex design and poor fluid penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled tube is divided into multiple segments with nozzles positioned at different locations and orientations along its length. This segmentation allows disinfectant to be delivered to different sections of the insertion tube simultaneously, improving overall disinfection efficacy despite the complex endoscope design
Solution Approach 2:
The coiled tube is inserted within the insertion tube of the endoscope, creating a nested configuration. The coiled tube follows the curved path inside the insertion tube, ensuring that nozzles are positioned close to difficult-to-reach areas such as the elevator channel, thereby improving disinfection penetration without requiring external complex mechanisms
2Reliability
If static tube configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid flow turbulence and shear stress are insufficient for effective decontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is configured in a coiled shape with curved geometry rather than a straight configuration. This curvature creates enhanced turbulence and shear stress as fluid flows through the coiled path, improving microbial removal efficacy. The coiled configuration also allows better adaptation to the curved geometry of the insertion tube
Solution Approach 2:
The tube system incorporates multiple nozzles that can be oriented at different angles to create dynamic fluid flow patterns. The varying nozzle orientations generate complex flow dynamics including turbulence and eddies, enhancing disinfection effectiveness without requiring active moving parts
3Reliability
If nozzles are not oriented strategically, then the structure is simpler, but fluid flow does not effectively reach hard-to-reach areas like elevator channel
Solution Approach 1:
Nozzles are oriented with specific local qualities tailored to target particular regions. Different sections of the coiled tube have nozzles oriented at different angles and directions, with each local configuration optimized to address specific anatomical features of the endoscope such as the elevator channel, ensuring comprehensive coverage of hard-to-reach areas
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 system achieves high microbial reduction levels, effectively disinfecting endoscopes by increasing turbulence and shear stresses within the fluid flow, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection of even hard-to-reach areas like the elevator channel.
Implementation Method 1
The system achieves high microbial reduction levels, effectively disinfecting endoscopes by increasing turbulence and shear stresses within the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
The system achieves high microbial reduction levels, effectively disinfecting endoscopes by increasing turbulence and shear stresses within the fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
The insertion tube may be floated within the tube by forces exerted by the fluid flowing through the nozzles
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope reprocessor having a tube and nozzles may be used to increase the effectiveness of an endoscope reprocessor. Fluid may be delivered into the tube through the nozzle, which may be oriented in various orientations. Energy of the flow within the tube may be increased by introduction of fluid through the nozzles, which may additionally move the endoscope within the tube.