Disposable Endoscope Valve Assembly for Leak-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope valve systems are prone to failure, leak, and are difficult to use due to fragile components, complex user interfaces, and lack of feedback, leading to unreliable and inefficient fluid flow control, which affects the dependability and usability of endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A valve set and interface mechanism comprising a primary control valve, air input valve, and atmospheric valve, with biasing members and a user interface mechanism that provides intuitive control of fluid flow through an endoscope, including tactile feedback and simplified assembly, to improve reliability and operator experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the system is prone to failure and leakage due to fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into modular components including a valve body, valve member, and biasing member assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and reliability, reducing the fragility issues in existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing member is pre-installed to provide continuous elastic support to the valve member, cushioning it against mechanical shocks and preventing premature failure. This prior cushioning ensures the valve maintains reliability under varying operational stresses.
2Ease of operation
If complex user interfaces are used for valve control, then precise fluid flow control is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to use with steep learning curves
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to automatically respond to user input through a simple interface mechanism, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments. The biasing member provides automatic feedback, allowing the valve to self-regulate flow based on user actuation, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to control different fluid flows, then comprehensive fluid control is achieved, but the assembly and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve body with a common biasing member assembly. The valve member can selectively control different fluid pathways (e.g., to balloon, to pump, to atmosphere) through a unified mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed as a multi-functional component that can direct fluid flow to multiple destinations depending on its position. This universal design allows a single valve assembly to perform the functions of multiple specialized valves, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 provides reliable and intuitive control of fluid flow, reducing learning curves and manufacturing complexity, enhancing the usability and efficiency of endoscopic procedures by ensuring accurate and ergonomic operation of endoscope valves.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more biasing members may comprise first, second, and third biasing members... The first biasing member may comprise a pressure differential between a portion of the atmospheric valve and the atmospheric channel
Implementation Method 2
The first biasing member may comprise a pressure differential between a portion of the atmospheric valve and the atmospheric channel created by configuring the valve set to place the air input channel in fluid communication with the atmospheric channel
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow of fluids in endoscopic systems, such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enabled endoscopes. Some embodiments are particularly directed to valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms for controlling air, water, and/or suction flow through a valve well for an endoscopic system. Several embodiments are directed to user interface mechanisms and techniques for enabling an operator to interact with and control endoscope valves. Many embodiments are directed to mechanisms and techniques for translating interface input motion into valve control motions. In one or more embodiments, the valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms may be disposable.