Endoscope Cleaning Valve with Sealed Push-Actuated Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable cleaning valves for endoscopes require significant operator interaction and need to be cleaned between uses, increasing reprocessing costs. Additionally, there is a need for valves that can perform cleaning functions with reduced operator interaction or as single-use valves that do not require processing.
Innovation Solution
A valve design for medical devices that includes a valve stem with a lumen and a plurality of seals, configured to allow fluid flow between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in one position and prevent flow in another position. The valve also features an actuation mechanism with a button and biasing member to transition between positions, reducing the need for operator interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a reusable cleaning valve is used, then the cleaning function is provided, but the valve needs to be cleaned between uses which increases reprocessing costs and operator interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single-use cleaning valve that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for reprocessing and reducing operator interaction. The valve is designed to be inexpensive enough to be disposable while providing the necessary cleaning function for endoscope air/water channels.
2Productivity
If a reusable cleaning valve is used, then the cleaning function is provided, but significant operator interaction is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning valve is designed to be self-contained with pre-configured sealing elements and fluid pathways that automatically perform the cleaning function when connected to the endoscope. The valve requires minimal operator intervention beyond insertion and activation, as the internal components self-regulate the cleaning process.
3Reliability
If a valve with multiple seals and actuation mechanism is used, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into distinct functional components: a body housing, a separate actuation mechanism with button, and individual sealing elements positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while simplifying the overall assembly and manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve may have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The valve may include a valve stem having a lumen extending from a first opening at a proximal portion of the valve stem to a second opening at a distal end of the valve stem. A plurality of seals may be positioned relative to the valve stem. The valve stem and seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet is prevented from flowing to the outlet in a first position of the valve stem and relative to the inlet and the outlet. The valve stem and the seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet flows to the outlet in a second position of the valve stem relative to the inlet and the outlet, the second position being more distal than the first position relative to the inlet and the outlet.