Endoscope Cleaning Valve Stem for Debris-Clearing Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable cleaning valves for medical devices, such as endoscopes, require frequent cleaning and maintenance, increasing operational costs and complexity, while single-use valves may not effectively clear debris from tubing during pre-processing.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a valve stem and multiple seals that can transition between positions to allow or prevent fluid flow, incorporating an actuation mechanism with a biasing member to facilitate easy operation and reduce the need for extensive cleaning, suitable for both single-use and reusable applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a reusable cleaning valve is used, then the valve can be used multiple times, but the valve requires frequent cleaning and maintenance which increases operational costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning valve is designed as a separable component that can be easily detached from the endoscope system. The valve body, stem, and seals are modular elements that can be independently cleaned or replaced, simplifying the cleaning process and reducing maintenance complexity while extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates disposable seal elements that can be easily replaced after a certain number of uses. This allows the main valve body to be reused multiple times while only the consumable seals require frequent replacement, balancing durability with ease of maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-use valve is used, then cleaning requirements are reduced, but the valve may not effectively clear debris from tubing during pre-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates an integrated cleaning mechanism where the valve stem itself acts as a cleaning tool. When the valve is operated, the stem moves through the tubing to mechanically dislodge and clear debris, ensuring effective pre-processing cleaning even in single-use applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to perform cleaning actions before the main reprocessing steps. The valve stem mechanically agitates and clears debris from the tubing during the initial flushing phase, preparing the system for subsequent sterilization and reducing the burden on later cleaning steps.
3Ease of operation
If a cleaning valve with multiple components is used, then fluid flow control is improved, but the valve requires extensive cleaning of each component
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are combined into integrated seal assemblies rather than separate components. The seals are positioned on the valve stem in a stacked arrangement, allowing them to be cleaned together as one unit while still providing multiple sealing surfaces for precise fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing element, a cleaning tool, and a flow control mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall cleaning process while maintaining sophisticated fluid flow control capabilities.
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.