Endoscope Integrity Tester with Context-Sensitive Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope integrity testing methods are prone to human error and lack accuracy, particularly in detecting leaks and humidity levels, due to reliance on manual pressure monitoring and unreliable gauges, which can lead to damage or contamination of endoscopes during cleaning and sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled system for endoscope integrity testing that automates pressurization and measurement, using a processor to adapt calculations to specific endoscopes and conditions, and includes humidity testing to detect fluid invasion, ensuring precise determination of leaks and maintaining endoscope integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pressure monitoring and gauges are used for endoscope integrity testing, then the testing process is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure monitoring with an automated computer-controlled system that uses pressure sensors and algorithms to detect leaks. The processor automatically monitors pressure changes, calculates leak rates, and determines pass/fail results, eliminating the need for manual gauge reading and reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-diagnosis and automated decision-making through the processor that analyzes pressure data, compares it against predetermined thresholds, and automatically determines whether the endoscope passes or fails the integrity test. This self-service capability reduces reliance on operator skill while improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If automated pressurization and measurement systems are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-controlled system performs multiple functions including automated pressurization, pressure monitoring, leak calculation, humidity detection, and pass/fail determination within a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality improves reliability by coordinating all testing operations through one reliable automated system rather than separate manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes during the test and uses feedback from pressure sensors to adjust measurements and determine leak rates in real-time. The processor compares actual pressure data against expected values and automatically adjusts the assessment, improving reliability through continuous verification and automated decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If context-sensitive compensation algorithms are used, then measurement precision improves by accounting for endoscope-specific conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies context-sensitive compensation algorithms that adjust testing parameters and calculations based on the specific characteristics of each endoscope being tested. The processor analyzes individual endoscope properties and modifies the leak rate calculations accordingly, improving measurement precision for each specific device rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes testing parameters and calculation methods based on the specific endoscope being tested. The processor adjusts pressure thresholds, measurement timeframes, and leak rate calculations according to the particular endoscope's properties, improving precision by adapting to local conditions rather than applying fixed parameters universally.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If humidity testing is added to detect fluid invasion, then the ability to detect harmful factors improves, but device complexity and testing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines humidity detection with the existing pressure-based integrity testing in a single automated sequence. The computer-controlled system performs pressurization, pressure monitoring, and humidity measurement without requiring separate manual testing steps, improving the detection of fluid invasion while minimizing additional testing time through integrated operation.
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
The system significantly reduces human error, enhances accuracy in detecting leaks and humidity levels, and ensures the endoscope's integrity is maintained, preventing damage and contamination, thereby ensuring safe and effective use in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
supplying gas to an air enclosure which includes an internal volume of the endoscope to pressurize the air enclosure
Implementation Method 2
measuring the pressure of the gas in the air enclosure over time
Implementation Method 3
detecting an first rate of decrease in air pressure; recognizing a second rate of decrease in air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Computer systems and software for controlling an endoscope integrity tester. The pressurization and humidity measurement and calculations, and the resulting determination of passage or failure is automated and controlled to eliminate concerns of human error in the detection process. Further, the computer system is capable of adapting its calculations to specific endoscopes and particular testing changes to further improve accuracy by being context-sensitive.