Endoscope Washing Instrument Positioning and Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing instruments for endoscope insertion devices face challenges in effectively washing the distal end components, particularly the treatment instrument swing base, due to fluid leakage and scattering, and difficulty in maintaining a secure connection for thorough cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A washing instrument with a tubular hollow receiving portion, liquid feed mechanism, and strategically positioned washing ports that jet washing fluid at different angles to directly target and collide with the swing base, combined with movement regulating portions to maintain precise positioning and prevent fluid dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting section of the washing instrument is directly inserted into the attaching portion, then the washing can be performed, but the washing liquid may leak or fly and scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end constituting section is nested within the receiving portion of the washing instrument main body, creating a contained structure that prevents washing liquid leakage while maintaining washing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The washing ports are arranged to jet washing liquid in directions intersecting the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion, creating a three-dimensional washing pattern that improves cleaning effectiveness while containing the liquid within the receiving portion
2Reliability
If the whole distal portion is covered with a cover member, then the connecting section is hard to be disconnected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion serves multiple functions: it contains the distal end constituting section, prevents washing liquid leakage, and provides structural support, eliminating the need for a separate cover member
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the cover member and the washing instrument main body are merged into a single integrated structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection security
3Productivity
If the washing liquid is fed into the receiving chamber through a flow channel, then the washing can be performed, but the washing liquid may leak or fly and scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The washing ports are strategically positioned and oriented within the receiving portion to jet washing liquid precisely at the distal end constituting section, providing localized effective washing while containing the liquid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The washing ports jet washing liquid in directions intersecting the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion, creating a three-dimensional washing pattern that improves cleaning effectiveness while containing the liquid within the receiving portion
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 solution ensures effective washing of the distal end components by directing washing fluid at intersecting angles, preventing leakage and scattering, and maintaining a secure attachment to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid feed mechanism that feeds a washing fluid from the outside into the receiving portion
Implementation Method 2
washing ports which are provided away from one another in an inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion and from which the fluid fed from the liquid feed mechanism jets out in directions which intersect a longitudinal axis direction of the receiving portion
Implementation Method 3
a movement regulating portion that positions the distal end constituting section at a position at which the fluid jetting out from the washing port directly collides with each desirable washing target region
Data Source
AI summary
A washing instrument for an insertion device performs positioning of a distal portion by an axial direction regulating portion provided in a cylindrical hollow washing instrument main body and abutting on the distal portion of the insertion device, and a rotating direction regulating portion facing an observation surface of the insertion device, thereby attaching the insertion device. A raised distal portion of a swing base received in a receiving chamber of the distal portion abuts on a projecting locking portion provided on an inner peripheral surface between the washing ports, the locking portion and the axial direction regulating portion hold a positioned state of the distal portion, and washing liquids jetting out from the washing ports directly collide with washing target regions of the receiving chamber to perform washing.