Endoscope Connection Detection via Pressure Pulse Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for decontaminating endoscopes with large internal diameters struggle to assess proper connection status due to insufficient flow restriction, leading to inadequate washing and disinfection of lumens.

Innovation Solution

A method involving pressure signature measurement at specific points on the endoscope processor to determine if the connecting tube is properly connected, using a known pressure signature for comparison, and incorporating an air buffer to verify connection integrity by pressurizing the endoscope interior space and monitoring pressure drops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If flow measurement methods are used to assess connection status, then connection assessment can be performed, but lumens with large internal diameters provide insufficient flow restriction leading to measurement difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection status detection accuracyVSAvoidflow measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces flow measurement (mechanical/hydraulic measurement) with pressure measurement. Instead of measuring fluid flow through the lumen, the system measures pressure changes in response to pump activation. This substitution allows accurate connection status detection even in lumens with large internal diameters where flow restriction is insufficient, because pressure changes are detectable regardless of lumen size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from flow rate to pressure. By monitoring pressure changes at the connection port when the pump is activated, the system can detect proper connection status. This parameter change enables reliable measurement in large-bore lumens where traditional flow measurement fails due to inadequate flow restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If back pressure measurement is used to assess connection status, then connection assessment is possible, but insufficient back pressure in large diameter lumens leads to false negative results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection assessment reliabilityVSAvoidback pressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes back pressure measurement with dynamic pressure change measurement. Instead of relying on steady-state back pressure that may be insufficient in large lumens, the system measures the pressure response (change over time) when the pump is activated. This dynamic measurement approach provides reliable connection status detection even when static back pressure is low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic pump activation to generate detectable pressure changes. By turning the pump on and off and monitoring the pressure response during these periodic cycles, the system can reliably detect connection status. The periodic action creates sufficient pressure variations to overcome the insufficient back pressure problem in large diameter lumens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If flow rate measurement is used to detect proper connection, then connection status can be determined, but large lumen diameter provides insufficient flow restriction making measurement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection testing simplicityVSAvoidflow rate measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces flow rate measurement with pressure measurement. The system monitors pressure changes at the connection port rather than measuring flow rate directly. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while achieving accurate connection detection in large lumens, because pressure measurement is not affected by lumen diameter in the same way flow measurement is.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures accurate assessment of connection status, preventing false results and ensuring thorough decontamination by identifying proper connections and potential leaks within the endoscope channels.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure sensor is positioned at the connection port to sense pressure changes in response to pump activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The pump is activated and deactivated to generate pressure changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure generation:

Data Source

PatentEP1779769B1Method of detecting proper connection of an endoscope to a washing system

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 ETHICON INC

AI summary

A method detects proper connection of an endoscope (200) to an endoscope processor (10) by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.