Scope Cleaning Adapter Detection for Automatic Program Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to efficiently and automatically identify and process the various scopes they may be cleansed, each type requiring its own processing in terms of precleaning, leading to inefficiencies and manual labor.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a single outlet designed to receive a series of adapters, each characteristic for a specific scope type, equipped with detection means, including Hall-sensors, to identify the connected scope and ensure compatibility and proper connection, supporting automated cleaning processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pre-cleaning with brushes is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but labor time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidlabor time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic recognition of scope type and automatically selects and executes the appropriate cleaning program, eliminating the need for manual pre-cleaning operations. The apparatus serves itself by detecting adapter characteristics and autonomously determining the correct processing parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical brush cleaning is replaced by an automated system using detection means (sensors) to identify scope type and a control unit to execute the appropriate cleaning program, substituting human mechanical labor with automated sensing and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single cleansing apparatus is used for all scope types, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to handle diverse scope types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidscope type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single cleansing apparatus achieves multi-functionality by incorporating detection means that can identify different adapter types and automatically select appropriate cleaning programs, allowing one device to handle multiple scope types effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Adapters serve as intermediaries between different scope types and the single cleansing apparatus. Each adapter has unique detectable characteristics that enable the system to identify the connected scope type and select the appropriate cleaning parameters, bridging the gap between diverse scopes and a unified cleaning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automated scope recognition is implemented, then manual identification effort is reduced, but device complexity increases due to detection means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope identificationVSAvoiddetection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual visual identification and selection of cleaning parameters is replaced by automated sensor-based detection of adapter characteristics, with the control unit automatically selecting the appropriate cleaning program based on detected signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-identification of the connected scope type through detection means, automatically determining the correct cleaning parameters without requiring user intervention or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables reliable automatic recognition and processing of different scope types, reducing manual effort and ensuring safe, efficient cleaning by detecting adapter features and providing compatible cleaning programs.

Implementation Method 1

the one or more sensors comprise a Hall-sensor to detect the presence or nonpresence of a magnet or magnets in the adapter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall-sensor: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4659650A1An apparatus for cleansing a scope connectable to the apparatus through an adapter that characterizes said scope

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 VAN VLIET MEDICAL SUPPLY

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AI summary

An apparatus (1) for cleansing scopes, such as endoscopes, the apparatus (1) being equipped with a source (3) for supplying cleansing fluid, and an outlet (5) to which said source (3) for cleansing fluid is connected, wherein a fluid connection can be provided between the outlet (5) and a scope to be cleansed, wherein the outlet (5) is designed to receive one of a series of mutually different adapters (6), each adapter being of a particular type that is characteristic for a particular type of scope, and the outlet (5) being arranged with detection means (7) to detect the type of adapter (6) that is connected to the outlet (5). The invention also relates to an adapter for connecting a scope to said apparatus, which adapter (6) comprises one or more features that are characteristic for the adapter and detectable with detection means of the apparatus (1).