Endoscope Conduit Switching Device with Movable Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope conduit switching devices lack efficient mechanisms for switching between suction conduits, leading to complexities in operating ultrasound endoscopes, particularly in switching between suction and balloon filling operations, which can result in inefficient procedures and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope conduit switching device incorporates a movable spring bearing with a cylindrical rib and a movable piston having a rib receiver groove, along with a shaft and coil springs, allowing for controlled switching of conduits through a cap and piston mechanism that biases the components apart, enabling seamless operation and maintenance by allowing the suction button to be detached and replaced after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional conduit switching mechanism is used in ultrasound endoscopes, then switching between suction conduits can be performed, but the operating complexity increases and procedural efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit switching device is segmented into modular components: a movable piston that selectively blocks conduits, a movable spring bearing that enables piston movement, and a cap assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall switching mechanism, reducing operating complexity while maintaining switching functionality between suction and balloon filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism employs dynamic elements including a movable piston that can shift position to block or open different conduits, and a movable spring bearing that provides spring-loaded biasing force. This dynamic design replaces complex multi-position mechanisms with a simpler single-degree-of-freedom piston movement, enhancing procedural efficiency by reducing the steps required for conduit switching.
2Reliability
If reusable conduit switching components are used, then initial cost may be lower, but cleaning and maintenance time increases and procedural reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly and movable piston components are designed as disposable elements that can be easily detached and replaced. This disposable design eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, reducing maintenance time and ensuring procedural reliability by guaranteeing that each new component is free from contamination or wear. The simple construction of these disposable parts makes them cost-effective despite being single-use.
3Reliability
If the movable spring bearing and piston are not securely joined, then assembly may be simpler, but component separation occurs leading to device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The movable piston is merged with the movable spring bearing through a secure joining mechanism where the piston is firmly attached to the spring bearing. This merged design ensures that when force is applied to the piston, the spring bearing moves simultaneously, maintaining reliable connection between components. The joining structure is integrated into the overall design rather than being a separate complex assembly, achieving secure attachment without excessive complexity.
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
This configuration simplifies conduit switching, enhances operational efficiency, and allows for disposable components, reducing the need for cleaning and improving procedural reliability by ensuring that the movable spring bearing and piston remain securely attached, preventing separation and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil spring configured to bias the movable spring bearing and the cap in directions away from each other
Implementation Method 2
a second coil spring configured to bias the attachment and the movable piston in directions away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope conduit switching device includes: an attachment to be attached to an endoscope; a movable spring bearing that is movably held by the attachment and that has a rib that is cylindrical; a movable piston that has a rib receiver groove into which the rib is inserted and that is movable to be inserted into and removed from a conduit of the endoscope; and a shaft that is movably held by the movable spring bearing; a cap that is fixed to one end of the shaft; and a first coil spring configured to bias the movable spring bearing and the cap in directions away from each other, wherein a side surface of the rib of the movable spring bearing and a side surface of the rib receiver groove of the movable piston are at least partly joined with each other.