UV Sterilization Box for Fiberoptic Endoscope Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods for fiberoptic endoscopes are either damaging to the delicate flexible endoscopic cable or require a long time and multiple personnel to complete, limiting their usage throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated box with an interior chamber and a cleaning piece connected to the exterior, which includes filters to disinfect and wipe the cable, and an ultraviolet light source for quick and efficient sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known sterilization methods are used on the flexible endoscopic cable, then sterilization can be achieved, but the cable may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sterilization methods (which physically contact and may damage the cable) with UV light irradiation. The UV light source emits ultraviolet light that penetrates the cable to sterilize it without physical contact, thus avoiding mechanical damage while achieving effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from mechanical force to electromagnetic radiation (UV light). By using UV light with specific wavelength parameters, the system achieves sterilization through photonic energy rather than mechanical action, preserving cable integrity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Strength
If safe sterilization methods are used on the flexible endoscopic cable, then the cable is not damaged, but the sterilization process takes a long time and requires multiple personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sterilization processes with an automated UV light irradiation system. The UV light source automatically irradiates the cable when placed in the apparatus, eliminating the need for multiple personnel and significantly reducing sterilization time while maintaining cable safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization apparatus is designed to be self-operating once the cable is inserted. The UV light source automatically activates and completes the sterilization process without requiring continuous human intervention or multiple personnel, enabling the system to serve itself and reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If specialized sterilization equipment is used, then effective sterilization can be achieved, but the equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sterilization function into a separate, dedicated apparatus with a single UV light source. This segmented design focuses on one specific sterilization method, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effectiveness. The apparatus is a standalone unit that can be used independently without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the sterilization system by changing from complex multi-parameter sterilization methods to a single parameter approach (UV light irradiation). This parameter change reduces equipment complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness, making the system more accessible to medical clinics with limited resources.
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 apparatus allows for rapid and gentle sterilization of the flexible endoscopic cable, enabling it to be reused immediately and increasing the number of patients it can be used on in a workday.
Implementation Method 1
The interior chamber of the box may contain an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The UV light source may be configured to be operated (e.g., turned on) when the flexible endoscopic cable is inserted in the interior chamber of the box to sterilize the flexible endoscopic cable.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sanitizing a fiberoptic endoscope includes an elongated box with an interior storage chamber and a cleaning piece connected to the exterior of the box. The cleaning piece and the box are arranged in-line with one another and are configured to receive a flexible endoscopic cable of a fiberoptic endoscope inside of them to sanitize and sterilize the cable. The flexible endoscopic cable is first inserted in the cleaning piece via a through opening of the cleaning piece. The cleaning piece includes a plurality of filtering media in its interior, each with a respective through hole. The flexible endoscopic cable is disinfected as it is moved through the filtering medium through holes. Having passed through the filtering media, the flexible endoscopic cable travels to the interior storage chamber of the box, where it is irradiated by an ultraviolet light source for sterilizing the flexible endoscopic cable.