Endoscope Status Display With Countdown Tracking for Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper-based documentation of endoscope reprocessing is time-consuming and prone to errors, and the time interval between pre-cleaning and manual cleaning must be strictly managed to prevent additional processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope management device (EMD) with a display device, ID reader, microprocessor, and countdown-timer, integrated into a communication network, to track and manage the reprocessing timeline of endoscopes, using e-paper technology for real-time status display and automated event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper-based documentation methods are used for endoscope reprocessing, then manual documentation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based documentation with an automated electronic system using RFID readers, microprocessors, and display devices to automatically track and document endoscope reprocessing status, eliminating manual writing and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service documentation where the endoscope itself (via RFID tag) provides identification information automatically, and the system autonomously tracks time intervals and generates documentation without requiring manual data entry by healthcare professionals
2Reliability
If the time interval between pre-cleaning and manual cleaning is not strictly monitored, then additional processing measures are required, but implementing monitoring increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through countdown-timers that automatically calculate and display remaining time intervals, providing real-time alerts when time limits are approaching or exceeded, ensuring compliance without complex manual tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor-based system performs multiple functions including time interval calculation, countdown display, alert generation, and documentation, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated device
3Manufacturing precision
If manual tracking of endoscope processing time is used, then simple equipment is required, but the processing time cannot be accurately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual time tracking with automated electronic timing using microprocessors and real-time clocks, providing precise time interval measurement and control through software-based countdown-timers
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary RFID tag attached to the endoscope that automatically provides identification and timing information, mediating between the physical endoscope and the electronic tracking system to enable accurate time control
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope management device 10 comprises: a display device 12, an ID reader 14, a microprocessor 16, a countdown-timer 18, and a communication interface 20 for wirelessly connecting the endoscope management device 10 to an external communication network 21, wherein the endoscope management device 10 is configured to: detect an endoscope ID code of a freshly pre-cleaned endoscope 22 by means of the ID reader 14; start the countdown-timer 18 indicating a remaining time until a predetermined time interval starting with the detection of the endoscope ID code ends; display current endoscope information on the display device 12, and make the current endoscope information available in the communication network 21; the current endoscope information comprising: a name and/or serial number associated with the detected endoscope ID, and the current remaining time indicated by the countdown-timer 18.