Endoscope Reprocessor Concentration Sensor with Heated Permeable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope reprocessors face challenges in accurately measuring the concentration of medically effective components in medicinal solutions due to natural deterioration and repeated use, which can lead to ineffective disinfection if not properly monitored.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope reprocessor with a concentration sensor featuring a concave section and a permeable membrane, where the permeable membrane is exposed to the medicinal solution and heated, allowing for quick permeation and accurate measurement of solution concentration by utilizing a difference in component concentrations via osmotic pressure, and an electrochemical reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the permeable membrane is heated to promote quick permeation of medically effective components, then the measurement speed and efficiency are improved, but the thermal impact on the medicinal solution may cause deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate functional zones: the heating section is localized to the permeable membrane area rather than heating the entire medicinal solution tank. This segmentation allows targeted heating to promote permeation while minimizing thermal impact on the bulk solution, thus resolving the contradiction between improving permeation speed and maintaining solution stability.
2Measurement precision
If the concentration sensor uses a permeable membrane with internal solution and electrochemical reaction, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeable membrane serves as an intermediary between the medicinal solution and the internal solution containing the electrode. It allows selective permeation of medically effective components while blocking other substances, enabling accurate concentration measurement through electrochemical reaction without direct contact between the electrode and complex medicinal solution, thus maintaining measurement precision while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the permeable membrane to achieve selective permeation based on molecular size and properties. The membrane's porosity allows medically effective components to pass through to the internal solution while blocking larger molecules and impurities, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for concentration measurement without requiring complex filtration or separation systems.
3Productivity
If the medicinal solution is stored for repeated use, then the productivity is improved, but the concentration of medically effective components decreases due to natural deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration sensor provides continuous or periodic feedback on the medically effective component concentration in the stored medicinal solution. When the concentration falls below a predetermined threshold, the system can trigger alerts or automatic replenishment, ensuring that the solution maintains adequate disinfection effectiveness throughout its storage period and maximizing safe utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary concentration measurement and monitoring before the medicinal solution is used for disinfection. This allows proactive detection of concentration degradation and timely intervention (such as solution replacement or concentration adjustment), preventing ineffective disinfection while maximizing the usable lifespan of the medicinal solution.
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 configuration enables precise and efficient measurement of medicinal solution concentration, minimizing solution deterioration and ensuring effective disinfection by promoting quick permeation and reducing thermal impact on the solution.
Implementation Method 1
using a difference in component concentration between the medicinal solution and the internal solution, a medically effective component of the medicinal solution permeates through the permeable membrane making use of an osmotic pressure following evaporation and mixes with the internal solution
Implementation Method 2
a heating section configured to heat at least the permeable membrane
Implementation Method 3
an electrode is provided that is in contact with the medicinal solution and applies a constant voltage to cause an electrochemical reaction with the medicinal solution and measure the medicinal solution concentration
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope reprocessor includes a concentration sensor including a concave section in which a sensing section is housed and a permeable membrane configured to cover the concave section, a medicinal solution tank, to an inside of which at least the permeable membrane is exposed and on the inside of which a disinfection solution is stored, and a heating section configured to heat at least the permeable membrane.