Endoscope Reprocessor Water Level Detection Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope reprocessors require unnecessary waiting time during the drainage process due to timer-controlled discharge methods, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased processing times.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope reprocessor incorporates a water level detection system that allows for precise monitoring of liquid levels, enabling the circulation of fluid during discharge and optimizing the timing for complete liquid removal without excess waiting, thereby reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If timer control is used for drainage discharge, then the discharge process is simple to control, but unnecessary waiting time is required to ensure complete liquid removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a water level sensor that provides real-time feedback on the liquid level in the processing tank. The controller continuously monitors the sensor signal and adjusts the drainage pump operation accordingly, stopping the pump when the liquid level reaches a predetermined threshold. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for excessive waiting time while ensuring complete liquid removal, resolving the contradiction between simple control and time efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a fixed timer duration is set for drainage, then the control process is straightforward, but processing time increases due to maximum value waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, enabling dynamic adjustment of the drainage process. The controller stops the drainage pump when the sensor detects that the liquid level has reached the predetermined threshold, rather than running a fixed timer. This maintains relatively simple control logic while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating unnecessary waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system uses the water level sensor to automatically determine when drainage should stop, making the system self-regulating. The sensor and controller work together to monitor and adjust the drainage process without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while enhancing efficiency.
3Loss of time
If water level detection is implemented, then discharge timing can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor provides real-time feedback on liquid level, enabling the controller to optimize drainage timing by stopping the pump when the threshold is reached. This feedback mechanism reduces waiting time without requiring complex additional components, as the sensor integrates seamlessly with the existing control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The water level sensor enables the drainage system to self-regulate and automatically determine when to stop, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms. The sensor integrates with the controller to create a self-service system that optimizes drainage timing while maintaining relative simplicity.
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 solution reduces the waiting time required for the drainage process, enhancing the efficiency of endoscope reprocessing by ensuring accurate calculation of the discharge stoppage time based on actual liquid volume and flow rates, thus minimizing the overall processing duration.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump that transfers a fluid in the circulation conduit from the one end toward the other end
Implementation Method 2
a first water level detection section that detects whether or not as first water level set to be a water level that is equal to or below a boundary between the first tank and the second tank is submerged in water
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope reprocessor includes: a processing tank including a first tank that is arranged at a lowermost tier, and a second tank that communicates with the first tank, the processing tank allowing an endoscope to be placed in the processing tank; a drainage port arranged in the first tank; a first water level detection section that detects whether or not a first water level set to be a water level that is equal to or below a boundary between the first tank and the second tank is submerged in water; a circulation port that opens at a level that is below the first water level; a circulation conduit including one end connected to the circulation port and another end that opens at a position that is above the first water level in the processing tank; and a circulation pump that is provided in the circulation conduit.