Endoscope Channel Fluid Circulation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and disinfecting endoscope channels are inefficient due to the small diameter of the channels, requiring manual sampling and relying on expensive sensors for flow control, which can lead to incomplete disinfection and increased risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hermetic chamber and pressure-controlled system ensures a known volume of solution circulates through each channel, using sensors to verify and record flow, and a microprocessor-managed cycle for optimized pressure and flow, allowing for quick and reliable access to all channels for sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling methods are used to verify fluid circulation in endoscope channels, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and operation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically verifies fluid circulation through each channel using integrated flow sensors and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations. The endoscope cleaning system performs self-verification by monitoring flow parameters and confirming solution circulation without requiring external technician intervention for sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sampling operations are replaced by automated electronic sensing and control systems. Flow sensors, pressure transducers, and microprocessor-controlled valves automatically monitor and verify fluid circulation, substituting the manual syringe sampling process with an automated measurement and verification system.
2Measurement precision
If expensive sensors are used to control flow in each channel, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into modular channel-specific units, with each channel having its own flow sensor and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent verification of each channel while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized modular components rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow sensors provide real-time feedback signals to a microprocessor control system, which automatically adjusts pump operation and valve positioning to maintain desired flow parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves precise flow control through simple electronic control rather than complex mechanical sensing systems.
3Reliability
If manual sampling is performed to ensure complete disinfection, then reliability of disinfection verification improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow verification process continues automatically throughout the entire disinfection cycle without interruption. Sensors continuously monitor fluid circulation in real-time, ensuring complete verification of disinfection solution delivery without requiring stops for manual sampling operations, thus maintaining both reliability and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-verification of disinfection solution circulation throughout the cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for separate manual sampling steps. The microprocessor-controlled system continuously monitors flow parameters and confirms complete channel saturation without requiring technician intervention, achieving both reliable verification and time savings.
4Productivity
If high pressure is applied to ensure fluid circulation in small channels, then productivity improves, but strength of channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure parameters based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors and flow monitoring. The microprocessor control system modulates pump speed and valve positioning to apply optimal pressure levels that ensure adequate fluid circulation in small channels while preventing excessive pressure that could damage channel integrity, adapting pressure conditions to each specific channel requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including pressure, flow rate, and pump speed based on feedback from sensors monitoring channel conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed high pressure, the system achieves effective fluid circulation in small channels while protecting channel strength through parameter optimization rather than excessive force application.
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
Ensures each channel is adequately cleaned, disinfected, and dried with the right solution volume, reducing cycle time and risk of contamination, while minimizing sensor reliance and calibration needs.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump circulating the cleaning and disinfecting products contained in a tank
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor, to a connection solenoid valve that allows air to evacuate while said chamber is being filled
Implementation Method 3
a hermetic chamber having a known volume and provided with a low level and high level sensor
Implementation Method 4
a hermetic chamber having a known volume and provided with a low level and high level sensor allowing to control and record the filling and emptying thereof
Implementation Method 5
an upper portion of which is coupled to a filtered air compressor controlled by a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for measuring and controlling the circulation of fluids in endoscope channels. Device includes hermetic chamber having a known volume and a low level and high level sensor to control filling and emptying. The chamber is connected to a filtered air compressor, an injection pump to inject a drying product and a circulation pump to circulate cleaning and disinfecting solutions contained in the tank. The tank can receive at least one endoscope and includes injectors connected by a solenoid valve to the hermetic chamber. The device is used to verify and record the flow of cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and drying solutions passing through each of the endoscope channels during the cleaning and disinfecting operations.