Endoscope Channel Cleaning Bag for In-Situ Detergent Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope cleaning methods fail to reliably remove biofilm from internal channels, particularly the air/water nozzle and suction/biopsy channels, leading to potential blockages and cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a bag containing separate volumes for sterile water and concentrated detergent, where the detergent is mixed just before use by breaking a frangible seal, allowing for effective cleaning of endoscope channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routine pre-cleaning procedures (flushing air and water through channels) are used, then the cleaning process is simple and quick, but biofilm is not reliably removed from endoscope channels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the cleaning solution by using concentrated detergent instead of diluted solution, and controls the concentration ratio (1:10 to 1:20) to achieve effective biofilm removal while managing foaming characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent is pre-filled in a reservoir within the cleaning device, ready for immediate use. The frangible seal is pre-positioned to break upon insertion, automatically initiating the cleaning process without requiring manual preparation or mixing
2Reliability
If concentrated detergent is used directly in the cleaning solution, then biofilm removal effectiveness is improved, but excessive foaming occurs which interferes with the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention precisely controls the detergent concentration parameter by designing a reservoir that delivers a specific amount of concentrated detergent (1:10 to 1:20 ratio), achieving effective cleaning while suppressing excessive foaming that would interfere with the cleaning process
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device replicates the optimal detergent-to-water ratio through the reservoir design, automatically providing the correct concentration (1:10 to 1:20) without requiring manual measurement or mixing by the user
3Strength
If the frangible seal is made more robust, then device integrity during storage and transport is improved, but the seal becomes difficult to break for initiating the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible seal is designed with non-uniform thickness, creating a localized thin section that breaks easily upon insertion while the rest of the seal maintains sufficient strength for storage and transport integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning Apparatus for Cleaning Internal Channels of an Item of Equipment A cleaning apparatus for cleaning internal channels of an item of equipment comprises a bag including a main body portion and a neck portion, the main body portion providing an internal volume for holding a first liquid, and a reservoir having an internal volume for holding a second liquid, the reservoir being engaged with the neck portion of the bag such that, in use, when the neck portion is opened to access the internal volume of the main body portion, the second liquid is concurrently released from the reservoir to mix with the first liquid.