Endoscope Leak Detection via Dynamic Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting water leaks within endoscopes, particularly due to the complexity of bending portions and potential misinterpretation of leaks during the detection process.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus with a connecting portion for driving force transmission, a fluid supplying unit, a pressure detecting portion, and a control unit that compares detected pressure with a preset threshold to determine the occurrence of water leaks, while allowing the bending portion to be bent in different directions to accurately assess leak presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas is supplied into the inner space of the endoscope for leak detection, then water leak detection capability is improved, but false negative results occur when the bending portion is not in the straight state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by automatically changing the bending portion from a curved state to a straight state during leak detection. The bending driving portion is controlled to extend the bending portion, creating a straight configuration that ensures accurate leak detection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the endoscope's physical state to the detection requirements, eliminating false negative results while maintaining detection sensitivity.
2Ease of operation
If the bending portion is kept in a curved state during leak detection, then ease of operation is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to inability to detect leaks properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bending portion's state based on the detection phase. During leak detection, the bending driving portion automatically extends the bending portion to a straight state, ensuring detection accuracy. After detection, the system returns to normal operation mode, allowing the bending portion to be manipulated freely for ease of use. This temporal separation of states resolves the contradiction between operational flexibility and detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If pressure is increased in the inner space for better leak detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but risk of endoscope damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking the straightness of the bending portion before applying pressurization for leak detection. Only when the bending portion is confirmed to be in the straight state does the system proceed to supply gas and increase pressure. This preliminary check prevents excessive pressure application on curved configurations, thereby protecting the endoscope from damage while maintaining detection sensitivity when conditions are appropriate.
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 enables precise detection of water leaks, preventing false negatives and ensuring thorough washing and disinfecting processes by accurately determining leak presence through pressure comparison and controlled bending motions.
Implementation Method 1
pressure in the inner space is measured by a sensor, for example, and thereby leak detection is carried out
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus includes: a connecting portion connected to a bending transmitting portion of an endoscope to transmit driving force; a distal end driving portion for transmitting the driving force to the bending transmitting portion through the connecting portion; a fluid supplying unit for supplying gas into an inner space of the endoscope; and a control unit for controlling a pressure detecting portion for detecting pressure in the inner space and the distal end driving portion to provide the bending portion with bending motion, and for determining occurrence or nonoccurrence of water leak in the endoscope by comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion and a preset threshold.