Endoscope Washing Device Fluidic Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disinfecting the distal end of endoscopes, particularly duodenoscopes, are inefficient due to their complex shape and the presence of the elevator, leading to inadequate cleaning and a high risk of infection from residual microorganisms, especially multi-drug resistant organisms like CRE.
Innovation Solution
A positioning and support device with a containing chamber and a fluidic circuit that introduces pressurized fluid axially and distributes it circumferentially through holes, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing fluid accumulation, allowing for effective washing and disinfection of the distal end, even in complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pre-washing with brushes or pipe cleaners is used, then some cleaning can be achieved, but the complex shape and interstices of the distal end make complete cleaning insufficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated washing device that uses fluid jets and controlled water flow to clean the distal end. The system uses a washing chamber with inlet and outlet openings that allow water to flow through the complex geometry, eliminating the need for manual brushes and pipe cleaners while achieving more thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using water flow through controlled inlet and outlet openings to clean the distal end. The water is directed through the washing chamber in a controlled manner, using fluid pressure and flow to reach into interstices and complex shapes that manual cleaning cannot access effectively.
2Reliability
If immersion treatment machines are used, then washing can be performed, but large quantities of treatment liquid are required and optimal disinfection is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential cleaning function from large-volume immersion systems by using a localized washing chamber with controlled water flow. Instead of immersing the entire endoscope in large quantities of liquid, the system uses targeted water flow through the distal end's inlet and outlet openings, achieving effective disinfection with minimal liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of water flow from passive immersion to active controlled flow. By regulating water entry through inlet openings and exit through outlet openings, the system creates effective cleaning action with reduced liquid volume, transforming the washing process from quantity-dependent to flow-efficiency-dependent.
3Productivity
If known washing machines with jets are used, then washing can be performed, but the protruding elevator forms shadow zones that hinder effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the shadow zone problem by changing the water flow approach from external jets to internal through-flow. Water enters through inlet openings on one side and exits through outlet openings on the opposite side, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that penetrates the elevator structure and eliminates shadow zones, ensuring complete cleaning of all surfaces.
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 device ensures thorough disinfection of the distal end of endoscopes by providing uniform fluid distribution and preventing fluid accumulation, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the disinfection process, reducing the risk of infection from residual microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
a fluidic circuit that introduces pressurized fluid axially and distributes it circumferentially through holes
Implementation Method 2
ensuring uniform distribution and preventing fluid accumulation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Positioning and support device suitable to contain a distal end (E) of an oblong article to be subjected to washing treatment, and possible sterilization and/or disinfection. Such device comprises a first internal tubular element (11), a second external tubular element (13), an entry (15) and a discharge exit (23).