Two-Part Endoscope Connector with Non-Return Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector systems for endoscopes risk cross-contamination due to backflow of water from the endoscope into the water bottle, necessitating frequent replacement of the entire water supply assembly, which is costly and environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A two-part connector system with a detachable design, where the distal part incorporates a non-return valve, allowing only the distal part to be discarded after each use, while the proximal part and the rest of the assembly can be reused, preventing cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return valve is incorporated into the water line to prevent reflux, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the entire water supply assembly must be disposed of because components are glued together
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a proximal part that remains with the water supply assembly and a distal part that is discarded after each use. The non-return valve is integrated into the distal part, allowing it to prevent cross-contamination while enabling selective disposal of only the contaminated portion. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by preventing the need to dispose of the entire assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector is made as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simpler, but the entire connector must be disposed of after each patient use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as two separate parts (proximal and distal) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the distal part to be discarded after each use while the proximal part is retained, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and waste reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of the distal part after each patient use while recovering and reusing the proximal part. This approach maintains ease of manufacture through simple modular components while significantly reducing waste by recovering the majority of the connector assembly.
3Reliability
If the entire water supply assembly is changed after every patient, then cross-contamination is prevented, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into reusable and disposable parts, the system prevents cross-contamination through the non-return valve in the discarded distal part while allowing recovery and reuse of the proximal part and water supply components. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while reducing consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal part is discarded after each use to prevent cross-contamination, while the proximal part and entire water supply assembly are recovered and reused for subsequent patients. This approach maintains high reliability in preventing contamination while significantly reducing the quantity of components that need to be consumed.
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
Enables the reuse of the water bottle, air and water tubes, and connector parts for multiple patients without risk of cross-contamination, reducing waste and maintaining sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve in the water tube to prevent backflow of water from the endoscope into the water bottle
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (20, 60) to fluidically connect a medical instrument (1) with an air tube and (34) a water tube (35), comprises a housing (21 having a first through lumen (22) with a proximal opening (26) configured to couple with the air tube (34) and a distal opening (27) configured to couple with an air port (3) of the medical instrument, and a second through lumen (25) with a proximal opening (23) configured to couple with a water tube (35) and a distal opening (24) configured to couple with a water port (2) of the medical instrument. The connector is a two-part connector comprising a proximal part (28) comprising the proximal openings (26, 23) and a distal part (29) comprising the distal openings (24, 27), wherein the proximal part and distal part are configured for detachable engagement, and wherein the second through lumen (25) comprises a non-return valve (10) disposed in the distal part of the housing. The distal openings (24, 27) are configured to fluidically connect with an air-water (AW) port (3, 2) of an endoscope. The proximal part (28) may comprise a housing section (61) dimensioned to receive the distal part (29).