Endoscope Reprocessor Flow Control for Filter Clogging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope reprocessors face performance issues due to filter clogging, which can reduce fluid flow rates and hinder effective reprocessing, and existing detection methods rely on absolute flow or pressure values, making them susceptible to pump performance variations and aging.
Innovation Solution
A control method that measures the flow rate of a circulation conduit with the first pump operating and the atmospheric open conduit closed, and then with the conduit open to the atmosphere, to determine the presence of air in the liquid, allowing for accurate detection of filter clogging independent of pump performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filter clogging is detected using absolute flow rate or pressure values, then detection can be performed, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to pump performance variations and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from absolute flow rate or pressure values to the difference in flow rates between two states (with atmospheric conduit open and closed). This relative measurement approach eliminates the influence of pump performance variations and aging, allowing accurate filter clogging detection regardless of pump condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where the control device compares flow rates measured in two different states (atmospheric conduit open and closed) to detect filter clogging. This feedback comparison allows the system to automatically identify clogging conditions while compensating for pump performance variations through continuous monitoring and relative measurement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the atmospheric open conduit is left open during operation, then air can be vented, but air mixing with liquid reduces flow rate measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies periodic action by alternately opening and closing the atmospheric open conduit during measurement cycles. The control device measures flow rate with the conduit closed, then opens it for a predetermined period to vent air, then closes it again for the next measurement. This periodic switching allows both air venting and accurate flow rate measurement to be achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary air venting by opening the atmospheric open conduit before taking flow rate measurements. This preliminary action removes air bubbles from the liquid flow path, ensuring that subsequent flow rate measurements are taken under air-free conditions, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
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 precise and automatic detection of filter clogging, ensuring consistent reprocessing performance by distinguishing between air-mixed and air-free flow states, thus improving the reliability of the endoscope reprocessing process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is arranged between the connection member and the discharge opening in the circulation conduit, and detects a liquid feeding state in the circulation conduit
Implementation Method 2
determining presence or absence of mixture of air into the liquid flowing in the circulation conduit by comparing the measured first flow rate with the measured second flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for an endoscope reprocessor is a control method for an endoscope reprocessor that includes a treatment tank, a circulation conduit that links a circulation opening and a discharge opening opened in the treatment tank to each other, a first pump that feeds liquid from the circulation opening towards the discharge opening, an atmospheric open conduit including a first end portion open to an atmosphere and a second end portion connected between the circulation opening and the first pump in the circulation conduit, a filter that filtrates a liquid flowing from the treatment tank through the circulation opening into the circulation conduit, and a sensor that detects a liquid feeding state in the circulation conduit, where the liquid feeding state in the circulation conduit is measured by the sensor during operation of the first pump in a state where the inside of the atmospheric open conduit is closed.