Endoscope Washing Apparatus with Adjustable Droplet Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope washing and disinfecting technologies face challenges in reliably removing contaminants from endoscope channels using gas-liquid two-phase flow, as small droplet sizes are ineffective for large contaminants while larger droplets struggle to remove biofilms due to flow rate disparities.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus that adjusts the size of liquid droplets in a gas-liquid two-phase flow, using a piezoelectric injector to mix droplets of varying sizes with gas, allowing for effective removal of both large contaminants and biofilms by optimizing flow rates within the endoscope channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gas-liquid two-phase flow with small liquid droplets is supplied into the endoscope channel, then the flow rate in the vicinity of the channel wall increases, but the collision force with large contaminants becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the liquid droplet size adjustable rather than fixed. The liquid droplet size is changed according to the type and size of contaminants to be removed, allowing the system to adapt between high flow rate (small droplets) and high collision force (large droplets) as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of liquid droplet size to resolve the contradiction. By controlling the liquid droplet size parameter, the system can optimize either flow rate distribution or collision force depending on the washing stage and contaminant type
2Force
If gas-liquid two-phase flow with large liquid droplets is supplied into the endoscope channel, then the collision force with contaminants increases, but the flow rate in the vicinity of the channel wall becomes lower
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts droplet size based on the specific contamination situation, using large droplets when high collision force is needed and small droplets when good flow distribution is required, rather than being fixed in one state
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid droplet size parameter is changed to balance collision force and flow rate distribution, allowing optimization for different contaminant types and washing stages
3Reliability
If a washing brush is inserted into the endoscope channel to perform preliminary scrubbing, then the washing degree becomes uniform, but the operation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope channel performs self-cleaning by using gas-liquid two-phase flow that automatically distributes washing solution uniformly throughout the channel, eliminating the need for external washing brushes or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical washing brush system with a gas-liquid two-phase flow system, substituting mechanical scrubbing action with fluid dynamic collision and flow distribution to achieve uniform washing without manual operation
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
The apparatus efficiently removes both large contaminants and biofilms from endoscope channels using the adjustable droplet size feature, reducing operation time and detergent usage while maintaining effective disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
using a piezoelectric injector to mix droplets of varying sizes with gas
Implementation Method 2
gas-liquid two-phase flow, in which the liquid droplet is mixed at a set ratio into the gas
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes an air pump 45 supplying a gas to an endoscope channel included by an endoscope, a faucet 5 supplying a liquid into the endoscope channel, a channel 21 connectable to a mouthpiece of the endoscope channel included by the endoscope and supplying at least one of a gas or a liquid to the endoscope channel, and an injector 110 converting the liquid into a liquid droplet, mixing the liquid droplet into the gas flowing in the channel 21 with the size of the liquid droplet changeable, and thereby supplying gas-liquid two-phase flow in which the liquid droplet is mixed at a set ratio into the gas into the endoscope channel through the channel 21.