Endoscope Fluid Supply Valve and Sterile Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope fluid delivery systems rely on commercially available sterile water bottles, which require frequent replacement, leading to contamination risks and difficulties in handling, and are prone to damage due to their placement near expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A container and tube set with a flow control valve that maintains pressure and allows for easy replacement of fluid reservoirs without exposing tubes to non-sterile surfaces, featuring a flexible cross slit disk to prevent fluid leakage during exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available sterile water bottles are used for endoscope fluid delivery, then the system can be implemented with standard equipment, but the bottles require frequent replacement leading to contamination risks and handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery function into separate modular components: a reusable sterile reservoir assembly and replaceable fluid bottles. The reservoir assembly includes sterile barriers that remain sealed until activation, preventing contamination during setup. Bottles can be independently replaced without handling sterile components, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining compatibility with standard endoscope systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier assembly acts as an intermediary between the non-sterile external environment and the sterile internal system. This barrier includes a sealed membrane that prevents contamination during bottle installation and allows fluid transfer without exposing sterile components to non-sterile surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available sterile water bottles are used for endoscope fluid delivery, then the system can be implemented with standard equipment, but the bottles are prone to damage due to placement near expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fragile fluid bottles from the durable reusable reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes protective features and can be mounted in locations远离 expensive equipment, while bottles are handled only during controlled replacement moments through sterile barriers.
3Reliability
If a flow control valve is added to maintain pressure during reservoir replacement, then system integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control valve is designed as a passive pressure-regulating component that automatically maintains system pressure without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve opens or closes based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for active sensors, motors, or complex control circuits while maintaining system integrity during reservoir replacement.
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
Reduces contamination risks and simplifies fluid reservoir replacement, maintaining system integrity and reducing the risk of damage to expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control valve in fluid communication with the second water supply tube configured to obstruct flow through the second water supply tube when water pressure at the flow control valve is below a threshold pressure
Implementation Method 2
featuring a flexible cross slit disk to prevent fluid leakage during exchange
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a flow of fluid to an endoscope. An illustrative container and tube set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope may comprise a first container, a first water supply tube and branched connector to supply water to a second container, and a second water supply tube from the second container with a flow control valve configured to obstruct flow through the second water supply tube when water pressure is below a threshold.