Dual-Plunger Valve Flow Path for Clog-Resistant Irrigation and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation/suction instruments often become clogged, leading to decreased performance and visibility issues during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a valve system featuring first and second valve plungers, where the second plunger has a longer opening than the first, allowing for separate and efficient control of suction and irrigation paths, facilitated by manual or robotic actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single flow path is used for irrigation and suction, then the device structure is simple, but the flow path becomes clogged and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single flow path is divided into separate irrigation and suction flow paths. The valve body includes a first flow path for irrigation fluid and a second flow path for suction, with each path having its own valve plunger for independent control. This segmentation prevents clogging by keeping irrigation and suction flows separate while maintaining reliable performance in each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional aspect by creating parallel flow paths within the valve body structure. The first and second flow paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the same valve body, allowing independent control of irrigation and suction without increasing external device complexity.
2Productivity
If material removal efficiency is increased, then visibility is improved, but the flow path becomes more prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The suction flow path is segmented into multiple channels including a first suction channel and a second suction channel. The second suction channel has a larger cross-sectional area than the first, allowing high-volume material removal while the smaller first channel provides a backup path that is less prone to clogging, maintaining flow path reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suction system have different channel sizes optimized for their specific functions. The second suction channel with larger cross-sectional area handles bulk material removal for high productivity, while the first suction channel with smaller area provides reliable backup flow path that is less susceptible to clogging.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system comprises a first valve plunger configured for insertion into a first valve plunger channel. The first valve plunger has a first latch member disposed at a distal end. A first sealing member and a first valve are opening disposed proximally from the first latch member. The valve system also comprises a second valve plunger configured for insertion into a second valve plunger channel. The second valve plunger includes a second valve opening that is longer than the first valve opening. The valve system also includes a valve body having the first and second valve plunger channels. The first and second valve plunger channels are configured to receive the first and second valve plungers, respectively.