Washing Tool for Endoscope Aperture Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing instruments for endoscope insertion devices face challenges in effectively removing bodily fluids and resected tissues from the complex structure, including the treatment instrument swing base, due to the intricate design and the difficulty in completely cleaning the aperture section and surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
A washing instrument with a cylindrical housing portion, featuring a liquid supply path and two washing openings that intersect with the longitudinal direction of the housing, allowing the washing liquid to collide directly with the distal end portion of the insertion device at different positions within the aperture section, ensuring thorough washing and decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single washing opening is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing effectiveness of the aperture section and surrounding areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The washing instrument divides the washing function into multiple independent washing openings (first washing opening and second washing opening) that can be positioned at different locations. Each opening contributes to washing specific areas of the aperture section, allowing comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex washing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning washing openings at different locations and orientations relative to the aperture section. The first washing opening is positioned to wash the aperture section from one direction, while the second washing opening is positioned to wash from another direction, creating multi-dimensional washing coverage.
2Device complexity
If the washing liquid is supplied from a single direction, then the liquid supply path is simplified, but the ability to remove adherent matter from complex structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple independent supply paths leading to different washing openings. Each washing opening receives liquid from its own supply path, allowing the system to address multiple surfaces and angles simultaneously without requiring a single complex liquid distribution network.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing openings act as intermediaries between the liquid supply paths and the aperture section. Each washing opening serves as a dedicated interface that directs liquid flow to specific areas, enabling effective cleaning of complex geometries without requiring the liquid supply path to directly address every surface.
3Productivity
If additional equipment is added to the insertion device to improve washing, then the washing effectiveness increases, but the device complexity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The washing instrument is designed as a universal device that can be attached to various insertion devices with aperture sections. The same basic structure with multiple washing openings can be applied to different types of endoscopes and insertion devices, providing consistent washing effectiveness without requiring device-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing instrument is designed to be attached to and operated with the insertion device without requiring modifications to the insertion device itself. The washing openings are positioned to automatically wash the aperture section and surrounding areas when the insertion device is inserted, eliminating the need for additional equipment on the insertion device side.
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 described washing instrument efficiently washes the insertion device by directing washing liquid from multiple angles, effectively removing adherent matter and providing high sanitation without requiring additional equipment on the insertion device, ensuring convenience and effectiveness in cleaning complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid supply path that allows a fluid for washing to be passed to the housing portion from the outside
Implementation Method 2
the fluid spouted out from the first washing opening and the fluid spouted out from the second washing opening directly collide with the distal end portion of the insertion device
Data Source
AI summary
A washing instrument comprises a washing instrument body to which a distal configuration portion of an insertion device is attached, a three-way cock which communicates with both a first washing opening and a second washing opening that spout out a washing liquid at different positions inside a receiving chamber of the distal configuration portion and thus switches communication directions and which adjusts a liquid supply volume, a liquid supply function comprising a syringe coupling portion having a syringe to supply the washing liquid and a check valve, and a movement regulating portion which positions the distal configuration portion at a position where the washing liquid is directly spouted out from the first washing opening and the second washing opening to a swing base that is provided in the receiving chamber and that swings the movement direction of the extension of a treatment instrument.