Rupturable Reservoir Detergent Delivery for Endoscope Channel Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope air/water channel cleaning methods fail to reliably remove biofilm and debris, leading to potential blockages and decontamination failures.
Innovation Solution
A detergent delivery system comprising a flexible bag with a rupturable detergent reservoir and separate fluid conduits for connecting to endoscope ports, allowing on-site mixing of sterile water and concentrated detergent for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flushing methods are used to clean the air/water channel, then the cleaning process is simple and quick, but biofilm and debris are not reliably removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into separate functional components: a flexible bag for holding liquid, a rupturable reservoir for concentrated detergent, and separate fluid conduits. This segmentation allows for controlled detergent delivery and mixing, improving biofilm removal effectiveness while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent is pre-concentrated in a sealed reservoir within the flexible bag. Before use, the reservoir is ruptured to mix the concentrated detergent with sterile water in the bag. This preliminary preparation ensures the detergent is ready for effective biofilm removal without requiring complex on-site mixing equipment
2Reliability
If the air/water channel is not cleaned thoroughly, then the cleaning process is fast and simple, but blockages occur and decontamination fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the endoscope's own air pump to pressurize the flexible bag and drive the detergent solution through the air/water channel. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external pumping equipment, maintaining cleaning speed while achieving reliable decontamination through thorough detergent delivery
3Ease of operation
If a metal nozzle is present at the distal tip to deflect air/water, then the endoscope can clear the view effectively, but the air/water channel cannot be brushed and becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from the endoscope's air pump to force detergent solution through the air/water channel. This hydraulic cleaning method effectively removes biofilm from channels containing metal nozzles, where mechanical brushing is impossible, without affecting the nozzle's view-clearing function
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the cleaning medium from air (gas) to detergent solution (liquid). This parameter change enables effective cleaning of the air/water channel while preserving the metal nozzle's ability to deflect and clear the view during endoscopic procedures
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
Ensures thorough cleaning of the air/water channel by providing a fresh detergent solution, preventing biofilm formation, and ensuring reliable decontamination of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
providing a flow of air from the air port, through the first fluid conduit and into the internal volume of the bag to increase pressure in the bag
Implementation Method 2
a rupturable or breakable reservoir for holding a volume of concentrated detergent within an internal volume of the bag
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent delivery system comprises a flexible bag for holding a liquid; a rupturable or breakable reservoir for holding a volume of concentrated detergent within an internal volume of the bag; a first fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the internal volume of the bag and a second end disposed external to the bag; and a second fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the internal volume of the bag and a second end disposed external to the bag.