Endoscope Conduit Piston Sealing for Efficient Suction 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 ultrasound endoscope 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 patent implements a movable piston portion that can dynamically move between different positions within the conduit to switch between suction conduits. The piston is designed with a small diameter portion that fits through the conduit, allowing it to move freely and seal different passages based on operational requirements, thereby achieving efficient switching between multiple suction conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable piston portion acts as an intermediary element between the control mechanism and the suction conduits. By moving the piston to different positions, it selectively opens and closes different fluid passages, enabling efficient switching between the first suction conduit (for body liquid) and the second suction conduit (for balloon water) without direct mechanical connection to each conduit.
2Ease of manufacture
If the piston is made of resin only, then the manufacturing is easy, but the sealing performance may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is constructed as a composite structure combining resin and elastic material. The main body of the piston is made of resin for ease of manufacturing and structural integrity, while elastic material is strategically provided at the sealing surfaces where the piston contacts the conduit walls. This composite approach ensures both manufacturability and reliable sealing performance during conduit switching operations.
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
Enhances operational efficiency by allowing smooth switching between suction conduits, improving the usability and effectiveness of endoscope procedures by facilitating precise control over suction operations.
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
An endoscope conduit switching device includes: a movable piston portion that is movable to be inserted into and removed from a conduit of an endoscope, the movable piston portion including a piston and a packing, the piston being made of resin and extending along a conduit of an endoscope, the piston including a proximal end portion and a small diameter portion thinner than the proximal end portion, 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.