Endoscope Holder Device for Reproducible Indicator Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope monitoring devices face challenges in maintaining the reproducible orientation and easy access to indicator capsules during the cleaning and disinfection process, as they are often loose and non-transparent, making it difficult to assess the cleaning efficacy visually.
Innovation Solution
A holder device with angled surfaces and apertures allows for fixed and reproducible positioning of indicator holding means, enabling easy user access and visualization, while being compact in size, and is designed to accommodate multiple indicator devices at different angles and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indicator capsules are made loose and simply laid on an available surface during the cleaning process, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the indicator capsules are not provided in any reproducible orientation and are difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device is divided into multiple segments or compartments, each capable of holding an indicator capsule. This segmentation allows each capsule to be positioned in a specific, reproducible orientation while maintaining overall device simplicity. The holder comprises a body with multiple holders, each holder being a separate functional unit that can be independently positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator capsules are pre-positioned in the holder device at predetermined orientations before the cleaning process begins. This preliminary action ensures that during the cleaning process, the capsules remain in reproducible positions and orientations, making them easily accessible and viewable without requiring reorientation during use.
2Ease of manufacture
If indicator capsules are made non-transparent, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as a user cannot quickly and easily visually assess a test soil device located in the indicator capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device incorporates transparent or translucent portions specifically at the locations where indicator capsules are held. This local quality change allows users to visually assess the test soil devices inside the capsules without making the entire capsule transparent or complex. The transparent portions are strategically placed to provide viewing access while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent portion of the holder device acts as an intermediary that allows visual penetration from the external environment to the interior of the indicator capsule. This intermediary structure enables users to observe the test soil device inside the capsule without direct contact or removal, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder device is designed to accommodate multiple indicator devices at different angles and orientations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple indicator capsules in various orientations using the same basic holder mechanism. Each holder within the device can independently position a capsule at different angles, providing versatility without requiring multiple different types of holders or complex positioning mechanisms for each capsule.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A holder device is provided for use with endoscopy monitoring apparatus. The holder device includes a body portion with two or more apertures defined in said body portion. The apertures are a spaced distance apart and of such size and dimensions for the location of at least part of an indicator holding means and/or endoscopy monitoring apparatus therewith or therethrough in use.