Sterilization-Assistance Device for Endoscope Lumen Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elongate medical devices with lumens, such as endoscopes, are challenging to sterilize due to pressure drops and potential blockages within the lumen, which can lead to incomplete sterilization and detachment of dry boosters during sterilization processes, reducing the effectiveness of the sterilization process and increasing the risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization-assistance device comprising a dry booster with integrated measurement devices like pressure sensors and strain gauges, and a communication module, which helps detect leaks, detachment, and blockages by comparing real-time pressure and strain data against predetermined reference values, allowing for immediate intervention to abort the sterilization process and reattach or replace the dry booster as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dry booster is used to assist sterilization by creating pressure differentials, then sterilant passage through the lumen is improved, but the risk of detachment and leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring pressure and strain parameters before detachment occurs. The system continuously measures pressure differentials and strain on the dry booster connection, comparing these values against predetermined thresholds to detect potential detachment risks early in the sterilization process, allowing preventive measures to be taken before actual detachment happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using pressure sensors and strain gauges to continuously monitor the dry booster's operational status and attachment integrity. The measured pressure and strain data are fed back to a control system that compares real-time values with reference values, enabling dynamic adjustment or alarm generation when detachment or leakage is detected, thus maintaining reliable operation throughout the sterilization cycle.
2Reliability
If pressure differentials are increased to overcome pressure drop in long lumens, then sterilant reaches all lumen surfaces, but the likelihood of dry booster detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring pressure and strain parameters before critical detachment occurs. By comparing real-time pressure differentials and strain measurements against predetermined thresholds, the system can identify when pressure levels are approaching dangerous levels that could cause detachment, allowing for preventive intervention before actual detachment happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control by continuously measuring pressure and strain and comparing these measurements with reference values. When the pressure differential exceeds safe thresholds or strain indicates potential detachment, the system generates alerts or automatically adjusts parameters to maintain safe operating conditions, ensuring sterilization completeness without causing detachment.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of pressure and strain is implemented, then leaks and blockages can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional monitoring system where pressure sensors and strain gauges serve multiple purposes: detecting leaks, identifying blockages, monitoring dry booster attachment status, and tracking sterilization process parameters. This single integrated system performs multiple detection functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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 effective sterilization of medical devices by preventing leaks and blockages, maintaining the integrity of the sterilization process, and ensuring that sterilants reach all surfaces within the lumen, thereby reducing the risk of infection and improving the efficiency of the sterilization procedure.
Implementation Method 1
In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization-assistance device is described herein. In some embodiments, the sterilization-assistance device comprises a dry booster and at least one measurement device attached to the dry booster. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a strain gauge. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a pressure sensor. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a pressure sensor and a strain gauge. The sterilization assistance device may also include a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless-communication module. The measurement device may provide indications that the dry booster has become detached from an endoscope during a sterilization procedure.