Endoscope Channel Replacement Using Sealing Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope channel replacement methods are inefficient, particularly for single-use endoscopes, as they require complex cleaning and risk contamination during the replacement process, making reuse challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of plugs to seal and unseal the channel flow path, allowing for easy withdrawal of the old channel and insertion of a new one, utilizing adhesive plugs to prevent contamination and facilitate efficient replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cleaning is performed on the channel to enable reuse, then the endoscope can be reused, but contamination risk and cleaning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the channel as a separate replaceable component from the endoscope body. The old channel is removed and replaced with a new channel, eliminating the need to clean the entire endoscope system and reducing contamination risk during the maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a channel replacement system where the old channel is discarded after use and a new channel is installed. This approach is particularly suitable for single-use endoscopes, allowing the expensive endoscope body to be reused while the disposable channel is replaced, improving productivity without complex cleaning procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the old channel is withdrawn without sealing, then replacement is simpler, but contamination occurs during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sealing the distal end of the old channel with a plug before withdrawal. This prevents contamination from entering the endoscope body during the channel replacement process, while the overall operation remains simple and efficient.
3Productivity
If channel replacement is performed without proper sealing, then the process is faster, but contamination and fluid leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent seals the distal end of the old channel with a plug before withdrawal to prevent contamination and fluid leakage. The new channel is then inserted and its distal end is sealed with another plug, ensuring sealing integrity throughout the replacement process while maintaining operational efficiency.
4Volume of moving object
If the operation portion opening is small, then the endoscope structure is more compact, but the channel cannot be withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the endoscope into modular components, with the channel as a separate replaceable part. The operation portion opening is designed with a specific size to allow channel withdrawal while maintaining overall compactness. This segmentation enables easy channel replacement without requiring a large opening, balancing compactness with repairability.
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
Enables efficient reuse of single-use endoscopes by preventing contamination and simplifying the channel replacement process, ensuring the new channel is ready for use without additional cleaning and allowing for easy withdrawal of the old channel.
Implementation Method 1
The plug includes an adhesive for fixing the plug to the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A channel replacement method to replace a first channel of an endoscope, the first channel including a first distal end and a first rear end, the channel replacement method including: sealing a flow path of the first channel by arranging a first plug at the first distal end and arranging a second plug at the first rear end, and withdrawing the first channel from inside the endoscope.