Endoscope Heating System Sensor Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heating systems in endoscopes rely on thermistors for temperature control, which can malfunction over time, leading to incorrect temperature readings and potential patient endangerment due to excessive heating, and there is no simple way to detect or retrofit additional sensors without modifying the system.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring unit with a monitoring circuit is introduced in the proximal region of the endoscope, powered by the heating element's supply, which compares temperature measurements with the existing sensor to detect malfunctions and interrupts the power supply if a deviation is detected, providing redundancy and ensuring safe operation without modifying existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor (thermistor) is used for temperature control in the heating system, then the temperature can be measured and controlled, but the sensor may malfunction over time leading to incorrect temperature readings and excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the thermistor (resistance, current, voltage) to detect malfunctions. By monitoring changes in these parameters over time, the system can identify when the thermistor is malfunctioning and adjust or interrupt heating accordingly, preventing excessive heating while maintaining accurate temperature control during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the measured temperature and electrical parameters are continuously monitored and fed back to the control unit. This feedback loop allows the system to detect deviations from expected behavior, identify sensor malfunctions, and automatically adjust the heating power or interrupt heating to maintain safe operating conditions
2Reliability
If additional temperature sensors are added to detect malfunctions, then sensor malfunction detection is possible, but the system complexity increases and modification of existing components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing temperature sensor to monitor its own functionality by having the control unit analyze the electrical parameters (resistance, current, voltage) of the sensor itself. This self-diagnosis capability allows malfunction detection without requiring additional sensors or external monitoring devices, thereby avoiding increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal temperature control, malfunction detection, and sensor diagnostics. By making the control unit universal and capable of handling both heating control and sensor monitoring tasks, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated monitoring components, thus maintaining system simplicity while achieving reliable malfunction detection
3Temperature
If the heating element is continuously energized to maintain body temperature, then the entrance window remains clear, but malfunctioning sensors can cause excessive heating and patient endangerment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the electrical parameters of the temperature sensor before excessive heating can occur. The control unit detects potential sensor malfunctions early by analyzing resistance, current, and voltage variations, and interrupts or reduces heating power in advance to prevent patient endangerment while maintaining adequate temperature for clear vision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the heating power is continuously adjusted based on real-time sensor readings and malfunction detection. Rather than continuous full-power energization, the system dynamically modulates the heating element's power consumption, increasing it when needed to maintain temperature and decreasing or interrupting it when sensor malfunctions are detected, thereby balancing clear vision with patient safety
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 solution ensures safe operation by detecting and preventing malfunctions in the temperature sensor, preventing excessive heating and potential harm to patients, and allows for easy retrofitting without modifying the existing heating system components, ensuring effective monitoring of the temperature sensor function.
Implementation Method 1
thermistors are often used, which are supplied with a constant current by a constant current source. The voltage dropping across the thermistor is a measure for the temperature prevailing at the location of the thermistor
Implementation Method 2
a heating element, a so-called actor, in the region of the distal tip, which can be near to the entrance window, which is energized in order to adjust the entrance window to the desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a heating system of an endoscope. The endoscope including a heating element and a temperature sensor in a distal region of the endoscope and a supply unit outside of the endoscope, the supply unit being connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor, wherein the supply unit activates and deactivates a power supply for the heating element on a basis of a temperature measurement value ascertained by means of the temperature sensor using two-state control, and a monitoring unit including a monitoring circuit which is powered by the power supply for the heating element. The method including: monitoring, with the monitoring circuit, the temperature sensor for a malfunction; and interrupting the power supply to the heating element if the malfunction of the temperature sensor is determined.