Endoscope Piston Packing for Leak-Safe Conduit Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope conduit switching devices are inefficient in switching between suction conduits, such as those used for liquid suction from the body or balloon water inlet, leading to operational challenges during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope conduit switching device featuring a movable piston portion with a packing made of an elastic material, which is inserted into and removed from the conduit to switch between suction conduits, ensuring seamless transitions and effective conduit management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional conduit switching device is used, then the structure is simple, but the switching efficiency between suction conduits is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a movable piston that can dynamically shift positions within the conduit to switch between different suction conduits. The piston's ability to move back and forth allows for efficient switching between suction paths without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thus improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary element that controls the connection between different suction conduits and the common suction path. By introducing this intermediate component, the device achieves efficient conduit switching through a straightforward mechanical action, resolving the contradiction between switching efficiency and structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the piston is made of resin material, then the manufacturing is easier, but the separation between piston and packing may occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite construction where the piston is made of resin material for ease of manufacture, while the packing is made of elastic material to ensure reliable connection. The combination of these two different materials leverages the advantages of each: resin provides manufacturability while elastic material provides connection reliability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the switching device have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The piston body is made of resin for ease of manufacturing, while the packing portion is made of elastic material for reliable connection. This local differentiation of material quality allows the device to simultaneously achieve ease of manufacture and operational reliability.
3Reliability
If the packing is made of elastic material, then the sealing performance is improved, but the complexity of the switching device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing is made of elastic material specifically at the sealing interface where it contacts the conduit, providing excellent sealing performance. The rest of the piston structure remains simple and straightforward. This localized use of elastic material achieves improved sealing without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 device enables efficient and reliable switching between suction conduits, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use during medical procedures by minimizing leakage and improving conduit control.
Implementation Method 1
the packing being made of an elastic material and being provided on an outer circumference of at least a part of the proximal end portion and on an outer circumference of the small diameter portion, the packing being configured to fill a gap between the piston inserted in the conduit and the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A button for use with an endoscope, where the button includes a piston configured to be detachably inserted into a conduit of the endoscope. The piston including: a first portion; a second portion provided distally relative to the first portion, and the second portion being thinner in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction than the first portion; and a packing covering the first and the second portions. Where the packing includes an extending surface extending distally relative to a distal most end of the second portion.