Endoscope Drying Device Downward Airflow Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices for endoscopes lack efficiency in externally drying the instruments, leading to inconsistent drying quality due to varying airflow patterns.
Innovation Solution
The drying device employs blowing elements that create a uniform downward airflow along the rear wall and under the holder means, combined with an airflow meter to measure dry airflow through each endoscope, ensuring consistent drying capacity and quality by maintaining a constant airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blowing elements are used to create downward airflow in the drying space, then external drying of endoscopes is improved, but drying quality consistency deteriorates due to varying airflow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning blowing elements at specific locations (rear wall and under holder means) to create localized airflow zones that collectively ensure uniform drying. The airflow is directed along the rear wall and under the holder means to reach all endoscope surfaces consistently, addressing the inconsistency problem while maintaining high drying efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If airflow is directed along the rear wall and under holder means, then uniform downward airflow is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple blowing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow generation function into two distinct blowing element groups: one positioned along the rear wall and another under the holder means. This segmentation allows each group to perform a specific airflow task, achieving uniform coverage while keeping the overall system manageable through functional division.
3Measurement precision
If airflow meter is added for each endoscope, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow meter serves each endoscope individually, providing self-service measurement for each instrument. This allows precise monitoring of airflow through each endoscope without requiring complex centralized control, as each device independently measures and regulates its own airflow requirements.
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
This configuration ensures that moisture flows downward, achieving reproducible and efficient drying of both internal and external surfaces of the endoscopes, regardless of their position, with the airflow meter ensuring precise airflow measurement for each endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
blowing elements which open into the drying space and which are arranged to bring about a downward airflow in the drying space
Implementation Method 2
an airflow meter which is intended for each individual endoscope, and which is used to measure a dry airflow through the interior of the endoscope
Data Source
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AI summary
A description is given of a drying device for one or more endoscopes, which comprises a drying space comprising holder means for hanging the endoscopes. The drying device further comprises a mounting unit situated at the top of the drying space and provided with an air pressure chamber which is connected to blowing elements which open into the drying space. Said blowing elements are arranged to bring about a downward airflow in the drying space. The various types of blowing elements provided on the underside of the mounting unit include a first type of blowing elements bringing about a downward airflow along the rear wall of the drying space and/or a second type of blowing elements bringing about a downward airflow along and/or under the holder means.