Endoscope Water Connector With Disk Seal for Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope fluid delivery systems rely on commercially available sterile water bottles, limiting the available volume and requiring frequent bottle changes, which can lead to contamination risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing solution bags as the water source, connected via a spike port and septum valve design, allowing for flexible volume options and reducing contamination risks during bottle replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If commercially available sterile water bottles are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the available volume is limited and frequent bottle changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a water source end for connecting to solution bags, a water delivery end for connecting to the endoscope, and a disk seal mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk seal is positioned within the connector body, nested between the water source end and water delivery end. The seal can move within the connector housing to switch between blocking and permitting water flow, providing a compact design that integrates multiple functions within a single component.
2Reliability
If commercially available sterile water bottles are used, then the connection system is simple, but frequent bottle changes increase contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a disk seal that defaults to a blocked position, preventing water flow until intentionally activated. This preliminary setup ensures that the water pathway remains sealed and protected from contamination until the moment of use, reducing the risk of contamination during setup and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk seal automatically responds to water pressure from the solution bag, moving from the blocked position to the open position when water is supplied. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual valve operation during bottle changes, reducing both time and contamination risk.
3Reliability
If a disk seal mechanism is added to control water flow, then contamination risk is reduced, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk seal is positioned such that water pressure from the solution bag automatically moves it from the blocked position to the open position. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or manual valve controls, maintaining connector simplicity while achieving reliable fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk seal is extracted as a separate, movable component within the connector, allowing it to be positioned strategically between the water source end and water delivery end. This extraction enables the seal to move independently to control flow without requiring complex valve mechanisms or multiple moving parts.
4Reliability
If the disk seal blocks water flow to the water source component, then backflow is prevented, but water delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The disk seal is pre-positioned in the blocked state, preventing water flow until the system is ready to operate. When water pressure is applied from the solution bag, the seal automatically transitions to the open state, enabling water delivery. This preliminary blocking ensures backflow prevention while allowing seamless activation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk seal alternates between blocked and open positions based on water pressure cycles. During storage or idle periods, the seal remains blocked to prevent backflow. During operation, water pressure periodically moves the seal to the open position to enable delivery, creating a rhythmic on/off flow pattern that maintains both safety and functionality.
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 system provides a flexible and efficient fluid delivery solution, minimizing contamination risks and reducing the need for frequent bottle changes, while maintaining consistent fluid flow rates for irrigation and lens washing.
Implementation Method 1
water flowing from the water delivery component towards the water source component presses the disk seal into the valve seat, obstructing water flow into the water source component
Implementation Method 2
water flowing from the water source component towards the water delivery component presses the disk seal into the internal projection, permitting water flow into the water delivery component
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a flow of fluid to an endoscope. A water connector has source and delivery components. A disk seal positioned between the source and delivery components may move between a seated position to prevent backflow and an unseated position against a projection to allow forward flow.