Disposable Endoscope Suction Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable suction valves for endoscopes are costly to manufacture and maintain due to the need for expensive materials and complex assembly, and they pose challenges in cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, while disposable valves lack efficiency and are prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A disposable suction valve design featuring a lightweight, easy-to-use structure with a reduced stem length and over-molded boot, comprising fewer components and using cost-effective materials, which improves suction efficiency and reduces clogging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reusable suction valves are used, then the valve can be cleaned and reused, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a suction valve that is intended for single use and then discarded. The valve comprises a stem, spring stanchion cup, and boot that can be manufactured as integrated or semi-integrated components from inexpensive materials. This eliminates the need for expensive cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization processes required for reusable valves, while maintaining reliable suction function during the single use period.
2Reliability
If reusable suction valves are used, then the valve can be reused, but the cleaning and sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable design eliminates all cleaning and sterilization operations by design. The valve is used once and then disposed of, removing the operational burden of complex cleaning procedures for multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stem, spring stanchion cup, and boot into an integrated or semi-integrated structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that would otherwise require disassembly and individual cleaning, further simplifying the already eliminated cleaning process while maintaining functional integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable suction valves are used, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the suction efficiency decreases and clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable valve achieves cost reduction through simplified manufacturing while maintaining suction efficiency via optimized design. The integrated structure with properly sized openings and smooth internal surfaces prevents clogging, and the spring mechanism ensures reliable opening/closing action despite the simplified construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters such as opening sizes, stem dimensions, and boot configuration to ensure adequate suction flow. The spring force and stem positioning are designed to maintain proper sealing and opening characteristics, achieving reliable suction performance without requiring expensive materials or complex assembly.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, enhances suction efficiency, and minimizes the risk of contamination and clogging, providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to reusable valves.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to contact the spring stanchion and the stem
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable suction valve is provided. In some embodiments, the disposable suction valve may include a stem providing an air passage through the stem, a spring, a spring stanchion cup, and a boot. A method for manufacturing a disposable suction valve may include several steps. A stem and spring stanchion cup are molded, and a bottom end of the stem is placed through the center of a spring. The bottom end of the stem is placed through a stem opening in the spring stanchion cup, and the tabs or the spring stanchion cup are placed into recessed apertures of the stem. The boot may be over-molded on the spring stanchion cup or molded and placed onto the spring stanchion cup.