Medical Instrument Washer Free Multiple Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer machines for medical instruments, particularly endoscopic types, experience downtimes and mechanical complications due to the need for manual positioning and connection of instruments, leading to reduced productivity and increased likelihood of machine breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A washer machine design featuring a free multiple connector that can be autonomously moved and connected to flexible washing pipes, using a releasable manual mechanical clamping device to connect to a static counter-connector within the washing chamber, allowing for separate preparation and connection of instruments outside the machine, thereby reducing downtimes and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and connection of instruments is performed on the sliding trolley inside the washing chamber, then the instrument can be properly positioned and connected, but the machine stops during these operations causing downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two independent parts: a multiple connector that moves with the sliding trolley and a stationary multiple counter-connector fixed to the machine structure. This segmentation allows the trolley to be positioned and instruments connected outside the washing chamber, eliminating the need to stop the machine for these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple connector and instruments can be prepared and connected to the flexible pipes before the sliding trolley enters the washing chamber. This preliminary action is performed outside the chamber while the machine is operational, avoiding downtime during the washing process.
2Extent of automation
If a pneumatic connection system is used to connect the multiple connector to the washing circuit, then automatic connection is achieved, but the mechanical complexity increases and malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pneumatic connection system is replaced with a simpler mechanical coupling system. The multiple connector and stationary multiple counter-connector use straightforward mechanical interfaces that are more reliable and easier to maintain, while still achieving automatic connection functionality.
3Extent of automation
If the multiple connector is integrated with the sliding trolley, then connection is automated, but the mechanical encumbrance and component complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is separated into a mobile multiple connector attached to the trolley and a stationary multiple counter-connector fixed to the machine. This segmentation reduces mechanical encumbrance by eliminating the need for complex pneumatic systems integrated into the trolley, thereby improving reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the washing chamber door must remain open for instrument positioning, then access is provided, but the machine cannot operate and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instrument positioning and connection to the multiple connector are performed as preliminary actions outside the washing chamber before the door is closed. This allows the machine to maintain operational status with the door closed, eliminating downtime while still providing necessary access for setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A washer machine for medical instruments comprises a washing chamber, at least a sliding loader trolley at least to load the medical instruments into the washing chamber and a washing device to wash the medical instruments, comprising a multiple connection unit and a plurality of flexible washing pipes connectable to the aperture of the medical instrument to be washed. The multiple connection unit comprises a free multiple connector, autonomous and unconstrained from the sliding loader trolley and connectable to said flexible washing pipes, and a static and fixed multiple counter-connector disposed in the washing chamber. A releasable manual mechanical clamping device is provided for the selective connection of the free multiple connector to the static and fixed multiple counter-connector.