Relay Adapter for Endoscope Processor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies face challenges in efficiently connecting single-use endoscopes with different hardware and signal standards to reusable endoscope processors, leading to increased user burden, potential space constraints in endoscopy rooms, and faster degradation of endoscope processor receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A relay adapter system comprising a first adapter connected to the endoscope processor and a second adapter connected to the single-use endoscope, which includes a power supply circuit, detection circuit, and electric circuits to emulate the reusable endoscope, ensuring seamless power and signal transmission while preventing adapter protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a relay adapter is used to connect single-use endoscopes with different standards to a reusable endoscope processor, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the adapter may protrude from the processor causing space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The relay adapter is designed with a retractable structure that allows it to be stored within or close to the endoscope processor when not in use. The adapter body can be retracted into a housing or positioned in a compact configuration that minimizes its protrusion distance from the processor, effectively nesting the adapter within the overall system footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the relay adapter is frequently attached and detached for different endoscopes, then adaptability is improved, but the receptacle degrades faster reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The relay adapter system separates the frequently changing component (the adapter itself) from the stable component (the endoscope processor receptacle). The adapter is designed as a detachable unit that can be easily replaced, while the processor receptacle remains fixed and is subjected to fewer mechanical stress cycles. This segmentation allows the adapter to absorb the wear from frequent connections and disconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay adapter acts as an intermediary device between the single-use endoscope connectors and the reusable endoscope processor receptacle. It translates and adapts different connector standards at the adapter level, preventing direct mechanical and electrical stress from being transmitted to the processor receptacle. The adapter absorbs the compatibility requirements and isolationates the processor from frequent plugging and unplugging operations.
3Reliability
If detection circuit is added to detect adapter connection status, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit utilizes existing electrical contacts and wiring within the relay adapter structure to automatically detect connection status. The same electrical pathways that transmit power and signals also serve as sensing elements for detecting whether an endoscope is properly connected. This self-service approach allows the system to monitor its own state without requiring separate dedicated sensing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay adapter includes a first adapter including a first end side configured to connect to a first receptacle of a power supply apparatus, a second end side, a power supply circuit configured to supply power transmitted from the power supply apparatus to the second end side, and a detection circuit, and a second adapter including a first end side configured to connect to the second end side of the first adapter, a second end side configured to connect to a connector of a medical apparatus, and an electric circuit configured to transmit power supplied to the first end side of the second adapter from the first adapter to the connector of the medical apparatus, the detection circuit is configured to detect whether the second end side of the first adapter is connected to the first end side of the second adapter.