Endoscope Decontamination Rack With Fluid-Lift Shadow Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes are difficult to decontaminate due to shadowed surfaces that are hard to reach with cleaning and disinfectant solutions, especially when coiled for reprocessing.

Innovation Solution

A decontamination rack designed to minimize shadowing by allowing endoscopes to be laid out such that decontamination fluid can be supplied through internal channels and ejected with sufficient force to lift the device off the surface, ensuring complete coverage of both exposed and shadowed areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the endoscope is coiled to fit into the decontamination system, then it can be processed in the chamber, but shadowed surfaces are created that are difficult to clean and decontaminate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to fit endoscope into decontamination systemVSAvoiddifficulty to clean shadowed surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into multiple receiving areas distributed throughout the decontamination chamber, each capable of holding a portion of the coiled endoscope. This segmentation allows the endoscope to be supported in segments rather than as a single mass, reducing shadowing while maintaining compatibility with the chamber geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack acts as an intermediary structure between the endoscope and the decontamination chamber walls. By positioning the endoscope on the rack rather than directly on the chamber floor or walls, the rack mediates the contact points and eliminates shadowed areas where cleaning solutions would otherwise be trapped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the endoscope rests directly on the decontamination chamber surface, then it is simple to support, but shadowed surfaces are created that prevent complete decontamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of support structureVSAvoidcompleteness of decontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rack extends vertically from the chamber floor, creating a third dimension for support. Instead of resting the endoscope on the two-dimensional chamber floor, the rack provides vertical support points that allow the endoscope to be elevated, eliminating shadowed areas beneath it while maintaining simple support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack provides localized support at specific points along the endoscope's path rather than continuous support along the entire length. This localized quality allows the endoscope to be supported at critical locations without creating extensive shadowed areas, achieving both simplicity and complete decontamination coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If the endoscope is coiled tightly to save space, then it fits better in the chamber, but more surfaces become shadowed and harder to access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by coiled endoscopeVSAvoidaccessibility of surfaces for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is designed to accommodate the dynamic coiling configuration of the endoscope while maintaining fixed support points. The receiving areas are positioned to work with the natural coiled shape of the endoscope, allowing tight coiling for space efficiency while the rack's fixed structure prevents the creation of shadowed areas during the coiled state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 decontamination rack ensures thorough coverage of all endoscope surfaces, improving the decontamination process by eliminating shadowed areas and enhancing the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection.

Implementation Method 1

The decontamination rack may be provided with internal channels through which a decontamination fluid may be supplied to the locations where the device contacts decontamination rack. These locations may comprise receiving areas having ejection ports with flexible nozzles disposed therein. The device may be disposed atop the nozzles such that the decontamination fluid exits the nozzles to impinge directly on those portions of the device that rest upon the nozzles.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid ejection: Jet

Implementation Method 2

The fluid may be ejected from the ejection port with sufficient force to lift the device off of the receiving area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure force: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12616768B2Endoscope decontamination rack

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 ASP GLOBAL MFG GMBH

AI summary

A decontamination rack is particularly suitable for decontaminating medical devices, such as endoscopes, for being designed to minimize shadowed surface area. The decontamination rack may be provided with internal channels through which a decontamination fluid may be supplied to the locations where a device contacts decontamination rack. These locations may comprise receiving areas having ejection ports with flexible nozzles disposed therein. The device may be disposed atop the nozzles such that the decontamination fluid exits the nozzles to impinge directly on those portions of the device that rest upon the nozzles. The use of the decontamination rack promotes improved or complete coverage of exposed external surfaces of the device with the decontamination fluid because decontamination fluid may be ejected into the receiving area to lift the device at the shadowed surface.