Endoscope Fluid Tube Connection Detection and Notification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems lack effective detection and notification mechanisms for the connection state of fluid feeding tubes and power source status, leading to potential misuse or malfunction, such as unintended fluid distribution or failure to perform fluid feeding due to disconnected tubes or power issues.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a connector, fluid feeding apparatus, connection detector, and control unit that detects the connection state of the fluid feeding tube and power source status, and provides notifications through a display or other means when abnormalities, such as disconnected tubes or active power without connected tubes, are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid feeding apparatus is operated without connection state detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential misuse or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detector provides real-time feedback on the connection state of the fluid feeding tube to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to monitor and respond to connection status, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting connection states and power source status, then notifying users of abnormal conditions. This self-service approach enhances reliability through automated monitoring without requiring additional manual checking procedures.
2Reliability
If connection detection and notification mechanisms are added, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detection function is integrated into the existing endoscope apparatus system, merging the detector, control unit, and notification mechanisms into a unified system. This combining approach improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared components and integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the fluid feeding apparatus operation, processes connection state information from the detector, and controls notification output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the tube is disconnected but the power source remains ON, then the fluid feeding apparatus may operate improperly, but without detection mechanisms the system cannot identify this abnormal state
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detector continuously monitors and provides feedback on the connection state of the fluid feeding tube to the control unit. This real-time information feedback prevents unintended fluid distribution by enabling the system to detect and notify users of disconnection conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual checking of connection status with an automated electrical detection mechanism. The connection detector uses electrical signals to determine connection state, substituting mechanical or visual inspection methods and providing reliable, real-time information about tube connection status.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus including a connector included in an endoscope and connected to an endoscope connection portion of a video processor, a fluid feeding apparatus including a tube configured to transmit fluid to the endoscope, a connection detector configured to detect a connection state of the tube with the connector of the endoscope, a control unit configured to detect an ON/OFF state of a power source of the fluid feeding apparatus, determine an abnormality exists when the connection detector detects that the tube is in a disconnected state with the connector of the endoscope and the power source of the fluid feeding apparatus is detected to be in an ON state, and output a notification of the determined abnormality, and a display configured to display the notification of the abnormality outputted by the control unit.