Endoscope Test Port Retainer With Hydrophobic Membrane Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes require the use of vent caps for pressure compensation during cleaning, sterilization, and testing, which can be forgotten or improperly installed, leading to damage from liquid intrusion, and vent caps with filters can cause false positive pressure readings due to moisture.
Innovation Solution
A test port retainer within the endoscope that includes a hydrophobic membrane and liquid exclusion barrier, coupled to a pressure test chamber, ensuring proper pressure testing without liquid intrusion and preventing false readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vent cap with filter is used for pressure compensation, then pressure equalization is achieved, but moisture can pass through the filter causing false positive pressure readings
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the pressure test chamber. This membrane allows water vapor to pass through for pressure equalization during sterilization while blocking liquid moisture that would cause false pressure readings. The membrane acts as a selective mediator that permits beneficial vapor transmission while preventing harmful liquid intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent cap structure is modified to include a hydrophobic membrane with specific local properties at the port interface. The membrane has different permeability characteristics for different phases of water (vapor vs. liquid), creating localized quality differentiation. This allows the same component to handle different substances differently - permitting vapor for pressure equalization while blocking liquid to prevent false readings.
2Reliability
If a vent cap is used for pressure compensation, then pressure equalization is achieved, but the cap can be forgotten or improperly installed leading to liquid intrusion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cap functionality is merged into the test port retainer assembly that is already permanently installed in the endoscope. The hydrophobic membrane is integrated into the retainer structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate removable vent cap. This combination ensures the pressure compensation function is always present and properly configured without requiring separate installation steps that can be forgotten or performed incorrectly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic membrane provides automatic pressure equalization without requiring user intervention. The membrane self-regulates based on environmental conditions - allowing vapor transmission when needed for pressure equalization during sterilization while automatically blocking liquid intrusion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cap installation and monitoring.
3Stress or pressure
If the test port is open for pressure testing, then pressure equalization during sterilization is achieved, but liquid can intrude into the internal space causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic membrane serves as an intermediary barrier at the test port interface. It allows pressure equalization by permitting water vapor transmission during sterilization processes while simultaneously blocking liquid water from entering the internal space. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing selective permeability based on the phase of water.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin hydrophobic membrane is used to create a flexible barrier that maintains pressure equilibrium while preventing liquid intrusion. The membrane's thin film structure allows vapor molecules to pass through for pressure equalization while its hydrophobic properties prevent liquid water from penetrating into the internal space, thus protecting internal components.
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
Ensures reliable pressure testing by eliminating the need for vent caps and preventing moisture from interfering with pressure readings, thus protecting the endoscope's internal components and maintaining accurate pressure testing results.
Implementation Method 1
A test port retainer within the endoscope that includes a hydrophobic membrane and liquid exclusion barrier
Implementation Method 2
The test port retainer includes a test port retainer housing, a probe seal, and a liquid exclusion barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes a housing, a test port retainer, a pressure test chamber, and an image capture assembly. The housing includes a pressure test port. The test port retainer includes a test port retainer housing, a probe seal, and a liquid exclusion barrier. In one aspect, the test port retainer also includes a hydrophobic membrane mounted within the test port retainer housing. The pressure test chamber includes a manifold and a central tube. The first end of the central tube is affixed to the image capture assembly to form a pressure seal, and the second end of the central tube is coupled to the test port retainer so that the pressure test port communicates with the interior volume of the central tube through the test port retainer.