Endoscope Cart UV Sterilization System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope instruments face challenges in sterilization, particularly when droplets adhere to them, as previous methods either fail to prevent droplet adherence or do not effectively remove viruses and bacteria, leading to infection risks.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope cart equipped with an ultraviolet ray source portion that irradiates the instruments with UV rays, using an ultraviolet ray source unit comprising a light source housing and a light guide plate to ensure thorough sterilization, even when droplets are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a covering member or film is used to prevent dust adherence, then dust prevention is improved, but the complexity of replacement and infection control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust preventionVSAvoidreplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the covering member/film component entirely and replaces it with a UV irradiation system. Instead of using physical barriers that require replacement, the system uses ultraviolet rays to directly eliminate pathogens, extracting the problematic component while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical covering member system with a UV irradiation system. Rather than physically blocking dust and pathogens with removable covers, the system uses electromagnetic radiation (UV rays) to sterilize surfaces, eliminating the need for mechanical replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a covering member is stripped off after a test, then cleanliness is maintained, but time and effort for cleaning and discarding increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness maintenanceVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UV irradiation system provides continuous sterilization protection without interruption. Unlike covering members that must be removed and replaced, the UV system operates continuously or on-demand to maintain cleanliness, eliminating the periodic disruption of removal and cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The UV irradiation system is self-sustaining and does not require external intervention for maintenance. The system automatically sterilizes surfaces without requiring manual removal of covering members, disposal of contaminated films, or additional cleaning operations, making it self-service oriented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If hood or screen curtain is opened throughout the test, then accessibility is improved, but droplet adherence increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddroplet adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of exposed surfaces (which allow droplet adherence) into a beneficial sterilization opportunity. By applying UV irradiation to exposed surfaces, the system transforms potential contamination into a sterilization process, eliminating viruses and bacteria even when the hood is open during operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If conventional sterilization methods are used, then sterilization is achieved, but viruses and bacteria adhering to instruments cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidvirus and bacteria removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sterilization parameter from conventional methods (heat, chemical agents) to ultraviolet radiation. This parameter change enables the system to effectively eliminate viruses and bacteria that adhere to instrument surfaces, achieving superior sterilization effectiveness compared to conventional approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables effective sterilization of endoscope instruments, reducing the risk of infection by utilizing UV rays to eliminate bacteria and viruses, even when droplets are adhering to the instruments.

Implementation Method 1

an ultraviolet ray source portion that irradiates the instrument for an endoscope with ultraviolet rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20230285614A1Endoscope cart and instrument for endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

On a shelf plate constituting a placement portion, the instrument for an endoscope is placed. An ultraviolet ray source portion irradiates the instrument for an endoscope with ultraviolet rays. A handle portion is provided with an ultraviolet ray source portion and a drawer portion is provided with an ultraviolet ray source portion. A rotary panel is provided with an ultraviolet ray source portion. An ultraviolet ray source unit including an ultraviolet ray source portion is provided on a side surface of the shelf plate.