Endoscope Accessory Case Bubble Lead-Out Edge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatuses do not effectively agitate and separate bubbles from accessories during the reprocessing cycle, leading to incomplete cleaning and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope accessory case with an impermeable case body and lid, featuring a fluid introduction port and bubble lead-out edges, is designed to introduce fluid and agitate accessories, allowing bubbles to be separated and led out, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are held in a mesh cleaning basket, then accessories can be cleaned using ultrasound and cleaning fluid, but bubbles cannot be effectively separated from the accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning basket is divided into multiple compartments with different functions: a first compartment for holding accessories and a second compartment for receiving bubbles. This segmentation allows bubbles to be separated from accessories and collected in a dedicated space, preventing bubble retention on cleaned surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall with a bubble through-hole is introduced as an intermediary structure between the accessory-holding compartment and the bubble-receiving compartment. This intermediary allows bubbles to pass through from the cleaning area to the collection area while preventing direct contact between accessories and accumulated bubbles.
2Reliability
If a solid lid is used to cover the cleaning basket, then accessories are protected, but bubbles cannot escape from the basket
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed with a bubble through-hole, creating a controlled porous structure that allows selective passage of bubbles while maintaining the protective enclosure for accessories. This porous design enables bubble escape while preserving the protective function of the lid.
3Productivity
If cleaning fluid is introduced at high flow rate, then accessories are effectively agitated and cleaned, but excessive bubbles are generated that cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The high flow rate cleaning fluid that generates excessive bubbles is converted into a beneficial system by introducing a dedicated bubble-receiving compartment. The bubbles, originally harmful, are redirected and collected in the second compartment, transforming the harmful effect into a manageable byproduct that does not interfere with the cleaning process.
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 endoscope accessory case effectively agitates and cleans/disinfects accessories by using fluid flow to separate bubbles, ensuring thorough reprocessing of endoscope accessories.
Implementation Method 1
a bubble lead-out edge located at a position apart from an inner circumference of the case body and configured to lead out bubbles separated from endoscope accessories when the endoscope accessories held in the case body are agitated by being pushed by the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a bubble lead-out edge located at a position apart from an inner circumference of the case body and configured to lead out bubbles separated from endoscope accessories
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope accessory case includes: a case body made up of a bottom portion and an impermeable trunk portion, the case body including an opening portion provided in a top face, and a fluid introduction port configured to introduce a fluid; and an impermeable lid, the lid including a contact portion configured to come into contact with the case body, and a bubble lead-out edge located at a position apart from an inner circumference of the case body and configured to lead out bubbles separated from endoscope accessories when the endoscope accessories held in the case body are agitated by being pushed by the fluid, the lid being configured to detachably cover the opening portion.