Endoscope Air/Water Flush Valve for Faster Pre-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems require time-consuming and labor-intensive steps for replacing and reprocessing air/water procedural valves, which complicates the cleaning and infection prevention process after procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic valve system with a modular design that allows for seamless switching between air and water flow configurations, utilizing a valve stem with sealing mechanisms and a gating member to direct airflow and waterflow, enabling efficient pre-cleaning and reducing the need for multiple valve replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a procedural endoscopic valve is used to direct air and water through separate channels, then air and water flow control is achieved, but the valve requires replacement and reprocessing between procedures which is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can direct air flow through air channels, direct water flow through water channels, and divert clean water through both air and water channels for pre-cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate valves for different purposes and allows the same valve to be used for both procedure and pre-cleaning without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem is made movable between different positions (first position for procedural use, second position for pre-cleaning) allowing dynamic reconfiguration of flow paths. This dynamic capability enables the valve to adapt its function based on operational needs without requiring physical replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an air/water pre-cleaning valve is used to divert clean water through air and water channels, then pre-cleaning capability is achieved, but the valve must be individually tracked and reprocessed between procedures adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The air/water pre-cleaning valve functionality is merged into the existing procedural valve assembly. The valve stem and housing structure are designed to accommodate both procedural operation and pre-cleaning functions within a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate pre-cleaning valve units that would require individual tracking and reprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves dual purposes: it functions as a procedural valve during medical procedures and as a pre-cleaning valve afterward. This universal design allows the same component to be reused across different operational phases without requiring separate valves for each function.
3Reliability
If separate procedural and pre-cleaning valves are used, then specific functions for each stage are achieved, but the overall system complexity and reprocessing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single valve assembly is designed to perform both procedural and pre-cleaning functions with high reliability. The movable valve stem and configurable sealing mechanisms enable the same hardware to achieve functionally specific outcomes for different operational stages without requiring multiple specialized valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into functional zones (air channels, water channels, pre-cleaning paths) that can be independently controlled through the movable valve stem. This segmentation allows specific functions to be activated as needed while maintaining a unified structure that reduces the total number of valves required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for air/water and flushing valves. For example, an endoscopic valve of the present disclosure may include a valve stem with contiguous first and second channels and with first and second ports formed within a sidewall of the valve stem. A series of seals may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem proximal and distal to the first and second ports. A gating member may be slidably disposed within the proximal channel and a valve insert may be disposed between the proximal and distal channels.