Washing Device for Medical Instruments with Radial Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing devices for long, flexible endoscopic instruments fail to provide uniform cleaning due to 'shadow zones' and are not suitable for very long flexible tubes, leading to ineffective hygiene standards and potential instrument damage.
Innovation Solution
A washing device with curvilinear tubular elements and radial flow through fissures ensures uniform cleaning by maintaining the instrument centered and preventing contact points, using a spiral configuration to minimize dimensions and prevent wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the auxiliary tube is spiral shaped to accommodate long insertion tubes, then the device can handle long flexible tubes, but contact points between tubes form shadow zones that reduce washing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The washing device divides the washing function into multiple segments: washing liquid is delivered through the first tubular element, then distributed through multiple fissures in the second tubular element, creating multiple washing zones along the insertion tube length rather than a single contact point
Solution Approach 2:
The second tubular element acts as an intermediary that distributes washing liquid through fissures between itself and the first tubular element, preventing direct contact between the auxiliary tube and insertion tube while ensuring comprehensive washing coverage
2Volume of moving object
If the auxiliary tube is spiral shaped to minimize dimensions, then the device fits compact spaces, but contact points create zones where treatment is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional spiral contact to a three-dimensional washing chamber where washing liquid flows through the interspace between tubular elements and exits through fissures, creating uniform washing coverage in multiple dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The second tubular element is provided with fissures at specific locations to deliver washing liquid locally to different zones, ensuring each area of the insertion tube receives appropriate washing treatment rather than relying on uniform spiral contact
3Strength
If the auxiliary tube is used to protect the insertion tube, then the instrument is protected from damage, but contact points form where treatment is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The second tubular element serves as an intermediary structure that both protects the insertion tube and distributes washing liquid through fissures, eliminating direct contact points while maintaining protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The second tubular element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the insertion tube from damage, distributes washing liquid through fissures, and prevents formation of shadow zones, combining protection and washing functions in a single component
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 ensures effective and uniform cleaning of long, flexible endoscopic instruments, preventing 'shadow zones' and reducing wear, thereby enhancing hygiene standards and extending the operational life of the instruments.
Implementation Method 1
delivery means able to deliver a washing liquid inside the first tubular element, towards the medical instrument... in which said washing liquid is able to flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A washing device (10) for washing a medical instrument (20) of the tubular type comprises a first tubular element (11), delivery means (17) able to deliver a washing liquid inside the first tubular element (11), towards the medical instrument (20), and a second tubular element (12) which is disposed inside the first tubular element (11), co-axially thereto, in order to define an interspace (33) between the tubular elements (11, 12) in which the washing liquid is able to flow. The medical instrument (20) is housed inside the second tubular element (12). The second tubular element (12) is provided with a plurality of fissures (14) which put in communication the inside of the second tubular element (12) with the interspace (33), so that the washing liquid is able to pass from the interspace (33) towards the medical instrument (20).