Endoscope Pre-cleaning Arrangement with Electrical Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope pre-cleaning methods are time-consuming, prone to errors, lack verification and documentation of proper cleaning, and fail to reliably check for liquid presence and channel blockages, leading to inefficient and incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an endoscope with channels and connection ports for fluid hoses, where an electrical parameter is measured to determine if channels are filled with liquid, preventing blockages and ensuring sufficient pre-cleaning, using a suction device and an electrical measurement instrument to automate the process and reduce equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pre-cleaning steps are conducted sequentially using multiple equipment, then cleaning coverage is improved, but time consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pre-cleaning functions (suction pump for biopsy/suction channel, video system center for air/water channel, flushing pump for auxiliary water channel) into a single integrated pre-cleaning device that can perform all cleaning operations through one unified system, eliminating the need to sequentially operate multiple separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple endoscope channels simultaneously through a single device interface, allowing one piece of equipment to replace several specialized devices and enable comprehensive cleaning without sequential操作步骤
2Reliability
If multiple separate equipment are used for different channels, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cleaning equipment into one integrated pre-cleaning device that can service all endoscope channels, reducing the total number of devices from several specialized equipment to a single multi-functional unit
Solution Approach 2:
The single pre-cleaning device is designed with universal capability to clean different types of endoscope channels (biopsy/suction, air/water, auxiliary water) through unified operation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices each designed for specific channels
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operation of multiple user interfaces is required, then precise control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate user interfaces into a single unified control interface that manages all pre-cleaning operations, allowing the operator to control the entire cleaning process through one interface rather than switching between multiple different interfaces
4Reliability
If traditional pre-cleaning methods are used, then basic cleaning is achieved, but verification and documentation capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-cleaning device incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect liquid presence in endoscope channels and automatically verify whether pre-cleaning has been completed, providing real-time information about cleaning status and documenting the process results
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 method reduces errors, ensures complete pre-cleaning, prevents drying and solidification, and allows for reliable verification and documentation of the cleaning process, making it faster and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device to aspire the suction and biopsy channel
Implementation Method 2
determining an electrical parameter of fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels into which liquid has been drawn
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. Further, the invention relates to an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. The method for pre-cleaning an endoscope is preferably conducted immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope and comprises: providing an endoscope that comprises channels for transporting fluids, connection ports, in particular for connection of fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; drawing liquid into at least one of the channels; determining an electrical parameter of fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels into which liquid has been drawn.