Endoscope Cleaning Apparatus with Automated Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatuses are inefficient in preventing misconnection when multiple endoscopes of different types are cleaned/disinfected simultaneously, due to the lack of proper attachment portion identification and varying cleaning/disinfection menus based on endoscope specifications.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with multiple attachment portions, an endoscope information reading system, a control unit for determining appropriate cleaning/disinfection menus, and a notification system to correctly identify and assign endoscopes to their respective attachment portions, ensuring accurate and simultaneous cleaning/disinfection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple attachment portions are provided to clean/disinfect multiple endoscopes simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but misconnection may occur due to failure to correctly attach corresponding endoscopes to attachment portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by reading endoscope information (such as type, size, and specifications) before the cleaning/disinfection process begins. The control portion determines the appropriate cleaning/disinfection menu based on this pre-read information and assigns it to the correct attachment portion in advance, preventing misconnection before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The notifying portion provides feedback by displaying the determined cleaning/disinfection menu and attachment portion information to the user. This feedback mechanism allows the user to verify that the correct endoscope is attached to the correct attachment portion with the appropriate cleaning program, ensuring connection accuracy.
2Loss of time
If multiple attachment portions are provided for simultaneous processing, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion serves multiple functions: it reads endoscope information, determines the appropriate cleaning/disinfection menu based on endoscope type, assigns the menu to the correct attachment portion, and coordinates simultaneous processing. This multi-functional control system manages multiple attachment portions without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically reads endoscope information and determines the appropriate cleaning/disinfection menu without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration. The endoscope itself provides its identification information, and the system self-configures the processing parameters, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple attachment portions.
3Measurement precision
If endoscope information reading is implemented to prevent misconnection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual identification and configuration methods with an automated information reading mechanism. The reading portion automatically获取 endoscope information (such as type, size, and specifications) without requiring manual input or complex mechanical identification systems, achieving high identification accuracy with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning/disinfecting apparatus 1 includes: a plurality of attachment portions 2a and 2b for attaching an endoscope 100a; a cleaning/disinfecting portion 4 that communicates with the plurality of attachment portions 2a and 2b and can execute different types of cleaning/disinfection menus for the respective attachment portions 2a and 2b; and an endoscope information reading portion 5 that reads endoscope information from the endoscope 100a. Also, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus 1 includes: a control portion 6 that determines a cleaning/disinfection menu based on the read endoscope information and outputs attachment portion identifying information for identifying an attachment portion 2a or 2b for executing the determined cleaning/disinfection menu; and a notifying portion 7 that notifies the attachment portion identifying information outputted from the control portion 6.