Endoscope Connector Flow Rate Detection via Segmented Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope connectors struggle to clearly differentiate the flow rate difference between correct and incorrect connections to the pipe sleeve, due to limitations in pipe sleeve shape and inner diameter, which affects the accuracy of fluid flow measurement and cleaning/disinfecting processes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope connector design featuring an outer cylinder member, an inner cylinder member, and an urging member, with a watertight section that ensures fluid flow through a specific path when correctly attached, and an increased flow rate when not attached, allowing for a detectable difference in flow rates using a flow meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the inner diameter of the channel inside the connector section is increased to enhance flow rate difference, then the flow rate measurement accuracy is improved, but the pipe sleeve shape and connector design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional sections: a first channel member with a first channel, a second channel member with a second channel, and a pressing member. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to creating flow rate differences based on connection status, improving measurement accuracy without requiring a single complex channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is designed to move dynamically between a pressing position (when connected) and a retracted position (when disconnected). This dynamic movement changes the flow path configuration, creating distinct flow rate characteristics that enable accurate connection status detection through flow rate measurement
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to clarify flow rate difference between correct and incorrect connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the connector have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first channel member has a substantially circular cylindrical shape for basic fluid transport, while the second channel member and pressing member have specific geometries that create the flow rate difference. This local optimization achieves both manufacturability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in flow path parameters (cross-sectional area, path length, resistance) based on the connection status. When connected, the pressing member creates a restricted flow path with higher resistance; when disconnected, the flow path is more open. These parameter changes produce detectable flow rate differences without complex manufacturing
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner cylinder member is designed with a smaller outer diameter to fit within the outer cylinder member, then the adaptability to different pipe sleeve shapes is improved, but the flow rate difference becomes less pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cylinder member is nested within the outer cylinder member, with the pressing member positioned inside the first channel member. This nested arrangement allows the connector to adapt to different pipe sleeve dimensions while maintaining the functional relationship between components that creates the flow rate difference
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member is pre-configured to automatically push the inner cylinder member to the predetermined position when the connector is assembled. This preliminary positioning action ensures consistent flow path geometry and reliable flow rate difference generation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 design effectively clarifies the flow rate difference between correct and incorrect connections, enabling accurate detection by the endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus, ensuring proper attachment and efficient cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member disposed in the first inner circumferential section and configured to urge the inner cylinder member toward the outflow port
Implementation Method 2
a watertight section disposed in an outer circumference of the advancing/retracting section or in the first inner circumferential section and configured to fill a gap between the advancing/retracting section and the first inner circumferential section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A connector 41 functioning as an endoscope connector includes an outer cylinder member 51, an inner cylinder member 52, and an urging member 53. The outer cylinder member 51 includes an inflow port 61 to which an endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus 1 is connected, an outflow port 62, a channel P, an inner circumferential section 63a provided in an inner circumference of the channel P, and an inner circumferential section 63b provided further on the outflow port 62 side than the inner circumferential section 63a and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the inner circumferential section 63a. The inner cylinder member 52 includes an advancing/retracting section 52a disposed to be capable of advancing and retracting along the channel P and having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the inner circumferential section 63b, an O-shaped ring 54 disposed in an outer circumference of the advancing/retracting section 52a and configured to fill a gap between the advancing/retracting section 52a and the inner circumferential section 63a when the advancing/retracting section 52a is disposed in the inner circumferential section 63a, and a through-path 65 that pierces through the advancing/retracting section 52a along the channel P.