Ultrasound Endoscope Balloon Suction Structure for Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound endoscopes face challenges in efficiently removing liquid from the inside of the balloon attached to the ultrasound transducer, leading to potential balloon deflation and hindered workability during cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound endoscope incorporates a balloon suction duct within the insertion portion, a rigid portion with a balloon groove and end surface opening, and a holder with distinct diameters to facilitate efficient liquid removal, preventing balloon deflation and improving cleaning workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is injected into the balloon to cover the ultrasound transducer, then the balloon can be brought into close contact with the observed region for effective observation, but the liquid cannot be efficiently removed after observation, leading to balloon deflation and cleaning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid portion with a balloon groove for balloon attachment, a holder for the ultrasound transducer, and a balloon suction duct for liquid removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, particularly enabling easy liquid removal through the dedicated suction duct while maintaining reliable observation during use.
2Reliability
If the balloon is inflated with liquid to cover the ultrasound transducer, then close contact with the observed region is achieved, but the cleaning process becomes difficult due to trapped liquid inside the balloon
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon suction duct serves as an extraction pathway, allowing liquid to be removed from the balloon interior through the insertion portion. This extraction mechanism enables complete liquid removal after observation, making the endoscope easy to clean while maintaining the balloon's ability to form close contact with the observed region during operation.
3Reliability
If a conventional balloon attachment method is used, then the balloon can cover the ultrasound transducer, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid portion integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the balloon groove for attachment, supports the holder with the ultrasound transducer, and incorporates the balloon suction duct. This merging of functions simplifies the overall structure and assembly process while ensuring reliable balloon coverage of the transducer.
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 design enhances the efficiency of liquid suctioning from the balloon, preventing deflation and improving the overall cleaning process by allowing brushes to easily access and remove liquid, thereby maintaining the endoscope's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
liquid inside a balloon is suctioned through the balloon suction duct
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound endoscope includes: a balloon suction duct that is provided inside an insertion portion and that is where liquid inside a balloon is suctioned through, the balloon covering an ultrasound transducer positioned at a distal end of the insertion portion; a rigid portion that includes a balloon groove and an end surface positioned at an end portion of the rigid portion, the end portion being on a distal end side of the balloon groove, the end surface being a surface intersecting a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, the end surface having an opening formed thereon, the opening communicating with the balloon suction duct; and a holder that is positioned on a distal end side of the rigid portion, the holder being configured to hold the ultrasound transducer.