Endoscope Channel Drying Validation via Air Parameter Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to reliably and verifiably assess the dryness of interior channels in medical instruments like endoscopes, leading to uncertainty about channel defects and safety for use.
Innovation Solution
A method using sterile compressed air distribution and measurement of air flow rates, temperatures, and moisture content at both input and output ends of channels to identify clogs and leaks, ensuring even drying and validation of endoscopes, with adjustable air restrictions and electronic control for precise air flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used, then drying process is simple, but reliability of dryness assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with objective electronic measurement systems. Flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, and moisture sensors automatically detect channel conditions, substituting mechanical/manual assessment methods with electronic detection to improve reliability while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement data from flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, and moisture sensors is continuously monitored and fed back to assess drying progress. This feedback loop enables real-time evaluation of channel dryness and provides verifiable data for validation, resolving the contradiction between simple processes and reliable assessment.
2Reliability
If compressed air is supplied to dry channels, then drying effectiveness improves, but detection of channel defects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compressed air as an intermediary medium to detect channel defects. By measuring flow rate, temperature, and moisture content of the air passing through channels, the system indirectly detects defects such as clogs or leaks without direct contact with the channel interior, thereby improving detection accuracy while avoiding the harmful effect of air interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in physical parameters (flow rate, temperature, moisture content) of the compressed air to detect channel defects. By tracking parameter deviations from expected values, the system identifies defects such as restricted flow or leakage, resolving the contradiction between effective drying and accurate defect detection.
3Productivity
If multiple channels are dried simultaneously, then productivity increases, but identification of defective channels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drying process by providing individual measurement capabilities for each channel. Flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, and moisture sensors are positioned to monitor each channel separately, allowing simultaneous drying of multiple channels while maintaining the ability to identify defects in specific channels through dedicated measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal measurement principles that can be applied to multiple channels simultaneously. The same types of sensors (flow rate, temperature, moisture) are used across all channels, enabling standardized multi-channel drying and defect identification, thereby increasing productivity without losing channel-specific information.
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
This method provides reliable data on channel dryness and safety, enabling the identification of defective channels and ensuring the endoscope's operational safety by determining the degree of dryness, thus preventing infections and extending the instrument's usability.
Implementation Method 1
supply of sterile compressed air to the interior channels of the instrument
Implementation Method 2
measuring devices connected to one or more input or output channel ends for measuring parameters of the incoming or outgoing air, in particular flow rates, temperatures and/or moisture content
Implementation Method 3
measuring parameters of the incoming or outgoing air, in particular flow rates, temperatures and/or moisture content
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A description is given of a method of providing data to assess whether a - commonly medical - instrument comprising interior channels to be dried, which is used for examining cavities, meets the safety requirements. According to said method, sterile compressed air is led through air distribution means to proximal ends of the channels, and measuring devices are connected at least to one or more distal channel ends for continuously or sequentially measuring one or more of the outgoing air parameters: flow rate, temperature and/or moisture content. The method is used in a drying cabinet when, for example, an endoscope, bronchoscope, colonoscope, sigmoidoscope or other instrument comprising interior channels for examination of- mostly human or animal- cavities is being dried.