Endoscope Reprocessor Connectivity Detection via Pressure Decay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leak testing techniques are not suitable for determining connectivity between an endoscope and an automatic reprocessor, as they do not account for inherent leaks at the distal end of endoscopes with channel openings, which complicates the detection of proper connections and disconnections during the reprocessing of endoscopes with various channel configurations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using pressurized liquid or gaseous fluid to test connectivity by monitoring back pressure in interconnected channels, employing a full shutoff connector for large channels, and measuring pressure decay to determine if channels are connected or disconnected, allowing for efficient detection of missing connections between the endoscope and the reprocessor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leak testing techniques are used to test endoscope channels, then the system can detect closed-system leaks, but the technique is not suitable for connectivity testing because distal end channel openings inherently leak when pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure monitoring with acoustic detection. A sensor detects acoustic signals (sound waves) generated by fluid flow through the endoscope channels. This substitution allows the system to distinguish between inherent distal end leaks and actual disconnections, resolving the contradiction between detecting closed-system leaks and accommodating open-channel characteristics.
2Reliability
If human operators manually connect and inspect endoscope connections, then proper connections can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-verification of connections through acoustic detection. The endoscope and reprocessor system automatically test connectivity by monitoring acoustic signals during fluid flow, eliminating the need for manual inspection by operators. This self-service approach maintains high reliability while significantly reducing reprocessing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where acoustic sensors continuously monitor channel connectivity and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables immediate detection of disconnections and automatic initiation of corrective actions, replacing manual verification with an automated feedback-driven process.
3Ease of operation
If pressurized fluid is applied to test channel connectivity, then flow through channels can be detected, but inherent leaks at distal end openings complicate the detection of proper connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic signal analysis for mechanical pressure monitoring. By detecting acoustic characteristics of fluid flow, the system can differentiate between normal distal end leaks and abnormal disconnections, maintaining operational simplicity while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from pressure magnitude to acoustic signal characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to interpret fluid flow patterns in a way that accounts for inherent distal end leaks while accurately identifying connection status, resolving the contradiction between testing simplicity and detection precision.
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 enables automatic and efficient detection of proper connections and disconnections, ensuring effective reprocessing of endoscopes with different channel configurations by differentiating between connected and disconnected states based on pressure decay characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized liquid is applied to one large channel, and back pressure is monitored in another large channel interconnected therewith
Implementation Method 2
measuring pressure decay to determine if channels are connected or disconnected
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for detecting connectivity in interconnected channels in an endoscope undergoing reprocessing using an automatic reprocessor, the method including providing a source of pressurized fluid, directing the pressurized fluid to a first channel in an endoscope, monitoring back pressure in a second channel interconnected to the first channel; and determining whether the interconnected channels are connected between the endoscope and the reprocessor by comparing the actual back pressure to a predetermined back pressure corresponding to the specific interconnected channels and model of endoscope undergoing reprocessing.