Endoscope Reprocessor Sealed Unsealed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope reprocessing systems face challenges in effectively cleaning and disinfecting the internal conduits of endoscopes, particularly in detecting clogging and ensuring thorough fluid flow through conduits with varying diameters, which can lead to incomplete cleaning and reduced washability.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope reprocessor with a control system that manages fluid flow through multiple cleaning tubes and air supply tubes to switch between sealed and unsealed states, allowing for controlled fluid introduction and leakage, ensuring thorough cleaning and clogging detection by varying the flow states of the suction pipe sleeve, forceps plug pipe sleeve, and suction cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the entire amount of fluid is introduced into the pipe sleeve (sealed state), then the fluid flow speed increases, but the washability of the pipe sleeve outer surface decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to dynamically switch between sealed and unsealed states based on the cleaning requirements. The sealing member can be moved to seal the fluid supply passage when high flow speed is needed, and unsealed when outer surface washing is required, making the system adaptable to different cleaning phases
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process is segmented into two distinct phases: sealed state for internal conduit cleaning requiring high flow speed, and unsealed state for external pipe sleeve washing. This segmentation allows optimization of fluid flow characteristics for each specific cleaning task
2Reliability
If the connector is kept in unsealed state, then the pipe sleeve outer surface can be washed, but the fluid flow speed through the conduit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sealing state of the connector based on the cleaning phase. The sealing member is movable and can be positioned to seal or unseal the fluid supply passage, allowing the system to adapt fluid flow characteristics to match the specific cleaning requirements at each moment
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is supplied continuously, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but clogging detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process uses periodic action by alternating between sealed and unsealed states. During the sealed state phase, cleaning liquid is supplied to achieve thorough internal cleaning, while the periodic switching to unsealed state allows for external washing and potential clogging detection through flow pattern changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning between sealed and unsealed states without interrupting the overall cleaning process. The periodic switching ensures both thorough cleaning and clogging detection capabilities are maintained throughout the continuous cleaning operation
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope reprocessor includes a control section and a flow liquid pump. The control section controls a plurality of electromagnetic valves to set a first drive state, in which the control section puts a first cleaning tube connected to a suction pipe sleeve of an endoscope into a sealed state, the control section puts a second cleaning tube connected to a forceps plug pipe sleeve of a forceps plug of the endoscope into an unsealed state, the control section controls an electromagnetic valve configured to switch a state of a connector plugging a suction cylinder of the endoscope to put the connector into a sealed state, the control section sets a state in which a fluid is supplied from the flow liquid pump to the first cleaning tube, and the control section halts supply of the fluid from the flow liquid pump to the second cleaning tube.