Epoxy Adhesive for Endoscope Sterilization Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesives used in endoscopes degrade during sterilization treatments, leading to a decrease in adhesive strength and endoscope performance, particularly when subjected to high-level sterilization methods like hydrogen peroxide plasma treatment.
Innovation Solution
A two-component adhesive system comprising a base of bisphenol A, bisphenol F, or phenol novolac epoxy resin and a tertiary amine compound as the curing agent, which maintains high adhesiveness and resistance to oxidation degradation even after sterilization, allowing for thick coating and effective fixation of endoscope components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional adhesives are used to fix endoscope components, then initial adhesive strength is achieved, but adhesive strength decreases after sterilization treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using a two-component epoxy adhesive with specific formulations (Component A: epoxy resin, Component B: curing agent) that are designed to maintain stability under sterilization conditions. The adhesive composition parameters are optimized to resist degradation from hydrogen peroxide plasma and other sterilization methods while maintaining bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite adhesive system consisting of two distinct components (epoxy resin and curing agent) that work together to provide both initial bonding strength and long-term stability after sterilization. This composite approach allows the adhesive to exhibit properties that neither component alone could provide, specifically resistance to sterilization-induced degradation.
2Quantity of substance
If adhesive is applied in thick coating to fix components, then adequate bonding coverage is achieved, but coating uniformity and control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by preparing the adhesive components separately and mixing them immediately before application. This ensures the adhesive maintains optimal viscosity and workability during the coating process, allowing for controlled thick application while maintaining uniformity. The two-component system allows for precise control of the mixing ratio before application.
3Ease of operation
If endoscope insertion section diameter is reduced to alleviate foreign body sensation, then patient comfort is improved, but structural reinforcement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the two-component epoxy adhesive system to achieve high bonding strength in the reduced-diameter insertion section. The composite nature of the adhesive provides sufficient structural reinforcement despite the smaller size, allowing the use of adhesive bonding instead of mechanical fasteners that would increase diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical reinforcement methods (such as metal fasteners or rigid structures) with a chemical bonding system (two-component epoxy adhesive). This substitution allows for strong structural connections without increasing the insertion section diameter, thereby maintaining patient comfort while achieving necessary structural integrity.
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 adhesive system ensures that the endoscope maintains its performance and adhesive strength after repeated sterilization treatments, preventing degradation and ensuring the integrity of the endoscope's components.
Implementation Method 1
a base and a curing agent separate from each other... The curing agent includes a tertiary amine compound... Epoxy adhesives are used in various fields because they have high workability and cured products thereof are excellent in adhesiveness
Implementation Method 2
a cured adhesive due to the above sterilization treatment, and the degradation of the adhesive joint causes a decrease in endoscope performance... treatments having higher sterilization effects (e.g., hydrogen peroxide plasma treatment) has been demanded
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an adhesive for an endoscope, a cured product, an endoscope, and a method for producing an endoscope. The adhesive for an endoscope is a two-component adhesive for an endoscope. The two-component adhesive has a base and a curing agent. The base includes at least one epoxy resin (A) selected from the group consisting of bisphenol A epoxy resins, bisphenol F epoxy resins, and phenol novolac epoxy resins. The curing agent includes a tertiary amine compound (B). The tertiary amine compound (B) accounts for 60 mass% or more of a curing component included in the curing agent.