Suction-flushing-system for endoscope optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with optical devices, such as endoscopes and videolaryngoscopes, face challenges in efficiently cleaning the optics due to contamination from body secretions, coagulated blood, and solid components, which limits the view and requires complex operation.
Innovation Solution
A suction-flushing-system is introduced, featuring a flushing medium outlet opening for targeted cleaning and a suction opening for removing liquid components, allowing for simultaneous flushing and suctioning with independent channels, enabling efficient and precise cleaning of the optical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flushing medium is discharged onto the optical device to clean it, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but liquid components remain on the optical device causing view obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flushing medium discharge function and suction function into a single integrated system with coordinated operation. The control unit synchronizes the discharge of flushing medium through the discharge opening and simultaneous suction through the suction opening, allowing liquid components to be removed immediately after contact with the optical device, thereby maintaining cleaning efficiency while preventing view obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by coordinating the flushing medium discharge and suction processes. The control unit ensures that suction operates continuously during flushing medium discharge, creating an uninterrupted cleaning action where liquid components are immediately removed as they contact the optical device, preventing accumulation and view obstruction
2Manufacturing precision
If separate flushing and suction operations are performed, then cleaning function is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges the control of flushing medium discharge and suction operations into a single integrated control system. By coordinating both functions through one control unit, the system achieves effective cleaning while simplifying operation, as the flushing and suction processes are automatically synchronized without requiring separate manual controls
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically coordinates the timing and operation of flushing medium discharge and suction without requiring manual intervention for each function. The system self-regulates the coordinated operation of both functions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective cleaning performance
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 system achieves efficient cleaning of the optical device by precisely targeting the flushing medium jet and simultaneously suctioning liquid components, reducing the risk of patient irritation and maintaining an unobstructed view during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flushing medium outlet opening for discharging a flushing medium jet onto the outer surface of the optical device
Implementation Method 2
at least one suction opening for withdrawing by suction at least liquid components from the outer surface of the optical device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a suction-flushing-system for a medical instrument having at least one optical device in a distal region adapted for insertion into a patient, which is cleanable by means of the suction-flushing-system. The invention also relates to a medical instrument having such a suction-flushing-system.