Sterilization Adaptor with Check Valve for Endoscope Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization processes for medical devices, such as endoscopes, face challenges in preventing gas corrosion and maintaining pressure equilibrium, leading to issues like bending rubber being blown out or crimped during the sterilization and handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization adaptor with a check valve unit and vent valve unit that allows gas circulation from inside to outside while preventing outside gas entry, and includes a rotation prevention member and elastic member to manage pressure and prevent damage to the bending rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the inside of the endoscope is airtightly maintained in the gas sterilization process, then gas corrosion is prevented, but bending rubber may be blown out when pressure decreases to negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A sterilization adaptor is introduced as an intermediary device between the endoscope and the sterilization environment. The adaptor includes a check valve unit that mediates gas flow, allowing pressure equalization during negative pressure phases while blocking gas entry during positive pressure phases, thus protecting both the bending rubber and preventing gas corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve unit is extracted as a separate functional component within the sterilization adaptor, dedicated specifically to pressure regulation and gas flow control, isolating the endoscope from direct exposure to harmful pressure variations and gas corrosion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a check valve unit is used to prevent gas entry, then gas corrosion is prevented, but bending rubber becomes crimped when pressure outside equals atmospheric pressure after sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization adaptor employs dynamic pressure regulation through the check valve unit that automatically adjusts its state based on pressure differential. During sterilization, it maintains pressure equilibrium; after sterilization, it allows pressure equalization to atmospheric pressure, dynamically adapting to prevent both gas corrosion and bending rubber crimping
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve unit operates on feedback from pressure differential between inside and outside of the endoscope, automatically opening or closing based on real-time pressure conditions to maintain bending rubber integrity while preventing gas corrosion
3Productivity
If pressure in chamber is decreased to vacuum state, then sterilization is enabled, but bending rubber may be blown out if inside pressure is not equalized
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization adaptor acts as a pressure-mediated interface, using the check valve unit to equalize pressure during vacuum sterilization phases, allowing the endoscope interior to maintain pressure equilibrium with the chamber while still enabling effective sterilization
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 solution effectively prevents gas from entering the endoscope, maintains pressure equilibrium, and prevents bending rubber from being blown out or crimped, ensuring the endoscope's integrity and functionality during sterilization and handling.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed so as to couple the main body and the rotation prevention member and configured to bias the vent valve in a predetermined direction through the vent valve holding member and the rotation prevention member to block the gap
Implementation Method 2
a check valve unit for inhibiting circulation of gas from an outside of the medical device to an inside of the medical device when the sterilization adaptor is attached to the medical device, and for circulating the gas from the inside to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization adaptor includes a check valve unit, a main body, and a vent valve unit. The check valve unit is disposed in the vent valve unit. The check valve unit includes a fluid passage. The vent valve unit includes a communication path. The vent valve unit includes a vent valve, a vent valve holding member, a rotation prevention member, and an elastic member. The main body includes an engaging portion configured to be engageable with a medical device by a biasing force of the elastic member.