Endoscope Cleaner Scale Removal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatuses face the challenge of scale formation due to calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate deposits from hard tap water, which can lead to inefficiencies and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with a cleaning tank, storage section for chemical solutions, water supply connections, and a determination section that assesses water hardness and cleaning history to automatically decide on and execute scale removal programs using a scale removal agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing steps are performed over a long period of time, then the endoscope can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, but calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate form scale that adheres to the inside of the cleaning tank and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The determination section performs preliminary assessment of scale removal necessity by evaluating water hardness information and cleaning history before the harmful scale formation occurs. When scale removal is determined necessary, the scale removal agent is supplied to prevent further scale accumulation, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while preventing the harmful factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring cleaning history and water hardness, using this information to determine when scale removal is necessary. The determination section receives feedback from the cleaning process and adjusts the scale removal timing accordingly, preventing scale formation that would compromise cleaning effectiveness.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If scale removal is performed frequently, then scale buildup is prevented, but maintenance time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The determination section uses feedback from water hardness information and cleaning history to intelligently determine the optimal timing for scale removal. This prevents unnecessary frequent maintenance while ensuring scale buildup is addressed when it becomes necessary, thereby maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment of scale removal necessity by automatically evaluating water hardness and cleaning history. This eliminates the need for manual inspection and scheduling, allowing the system to maintain itself efficiently without reducing operational productivity.
3Ease of operation
If manual inspection and scheduling of scale removal is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but maintenance time is consumed and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The determination section automatically performs the assessment and scheduling of scale removal based on pre-stored water hardness information and cleaning history. This eliminates manual inspection and scheduling tasks, freeing operational time while maintaining the flexibility to address scale removal needs at the appropriate moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of scale removal necessity before actual maintenance is needed. By pre-assessing based on water hardness and cleaning history, the system prepares the timing and conditions for scale removal, reducing the time required for actual maintenance operations.
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 apparatus effectively determines the necessity of scale removal and automatically initiates the process, ensuring efficient operation and reducing maintenance needs by preventing scale buildup within the cleaning tank and conduits.
Implementation Method 1
a water information input section to which hardness information of water that is supplied from the water service pipe is inputted
Implementation Method 2
calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate sometimes form scale to adhere to the inside of a cleaning tank and insides of respective conduits
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus has a cleaning tank in which an endoscope is disposed, a chemical tank that stores a chemical solution, a water supply connecting portion that is connectable to a water service pipe, an endoscope cleaning/disinfecting section having a first conduit that connects the cleaning tank and the chemical tank, and a second conduit that connects the cleaning tank and the water supply connecting portion, an operation panel that is a water information input section to which hardness information of water that is supplied from the water service pipe is inputted, a memory that is a history information retaining section that retains cleaning history information of the endoscope cleaning/disinfecting section, and a control section that is a determination section that determines necessity or nonnecessity of scale removal of the endoscope cleaning/disinfecting section based on the hardness information and the cleaning history information.