Endoscope Rigid Partition Wall and Check Valve for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues during autoclave sterilization, where vapor entry can cause deformation or bursting of the flexible outer cover tube due to internal gas expansion, potentially damaging internal components.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a rigid partition wall and a first check valve that separates internal spaces, blocking gas circulation from the second space to the first space and allowing gas from the first space to the second space, thereby controlling air pressure and preventing vapor entry into sensitive areas during sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a watertight structure is provided to enable immersion in medicinal solution, then waterproof performance is improved, but vapor entry during autoclave sterilization causes internal gas expansion leading to deformation or bursting of the flexible outer cover tube
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the endoscope is divided into multiple sealed compartments using partition members. Each compartment is independently sealed, preventing vapor from propagating throughout the entire internal space during autoclave sterilization. This segmentation contains gas expansion to specific localized areas, preventing deformation of the flexible outer cover tube while maintaining overall waterproof integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition members act as intermediary elements between the external vapor environment and the internal sensitive components. These partitions create intermediate sealed spaces that buffer the impact of vapor entry, allowing controlled pressure equalization through air vent ports while protecting critical internal components from direct vapor exposure and pressure-induced deformation.
2Strength
If the flexible outer cover tube covers the distal end portion and bending portion, then flexibility and protection are improved, but the tube may deform or burst when internal gas expands during autoclave sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the internal space into multiple sealed compartments, the patent prevents uncontrolled gas expansion that would otherwise cause the flexible outer cover tube to deform or burst. Each compartment can independently manage pressure changes during autoclave sterilization, maintaining the structural integrity and shape stability of the cover tube while preserving its flexibility for medical use.
3Reliability
If a partition member seals the first internal space while providing an air vent port in the second internal space, then vapor is prevented from reaching sensitive components, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition member creates a simple yet effective segmentation of the internal space into protected and vented zones. This single partition structure, combined with strategically placed air vent ports, achieves comprehensive vapor protection for sensitive components without requiring complex multi-layer sealing systems or additional protective mechanisms, thus maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliability.
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 effectively prevents vapor from entering the first internal space, protecting internal components from damage and maintaining watertightness, while allowing for efficient sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first check valve provided in the partition wall and configured to block circulation of gas from the second space to the first space and circulate gas from the first space to the second space
Implementation Method 2
a rigid partition wall provided inside the insertion section or inside the operation section and configured to maintain watertightness between a first space including an inside of the insertion section and a second space formed on a distal end side of the first space
Implementation Method 3
when internal gas expands, the outer cover tube may also expand, deform, or burst
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion section configured to be inserted into a subject, an operation section configured to be consecutively provided on a proximal end side of the insertion section, a rigid partition wall provided inside the insertion section or inside the operation section and configured to maintain watertightness between a first space including an inside of the insertion section and a second space formed on a distal end side of the first space, and a first check valve provided in the partition wall and configured to block circulation of gas from the second space to the first space and circulate gas from the first space to the second space.