Endoscope Pump Tube Bypass Structure for Pressure Relief and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of 'poor drainage' and tube cracking due to high internal pressure in endoscope water supply systems, leading to inefficient and potentially dangerous operations, is addressed by the invention.
Innovation Solution
A pump tube unit with a bypass water supply tube system that includes a small-diameter portion to manage internal pressure and a clamp to switch between open and closed states, ensuring reliable water supply and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the water supply device is driven to send liquid toward the endoscope, then the liquid supply efficiency is improved, but the internal pressure of the water supply tube increases causing poor drainage and tube cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply tube is divided into multiple sections with different diameter portions (first diameter portion, second diameter portion, third diameter portion). This segmentation allows different sections to serve different functions: the narrow second diameter portion acts as a pressure relief section that prevents excessive pressure buildup, while the wider first and third portions ensure adequate flow capacity. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both high liquid supply efficiency and tube integrity through strategic diameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific narrow-section structure at the connection portion between the pump tube and downstream water supply tube. This local narrowing (second diameter portion) is positioned exactly where pressure management is most critical. The localized diameter change provides pressure relief precisely where needed without compromising the overall flow capacity of the system, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the water supply tube has a small inner diameter to match the secondary water supply port, then the liquid flow control is improved, but the internal pressure increases causing poor drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply tube is segmented into different diameter portions, with the second diameter portion being narrower to match the secondary water supply port requirements for precise flow control. However, this narrow section is strategically placed only at the connection portion, while other sections have larger diameters to maintain lower overall pressure. This segmentation allows localized flow control without system-wide pressure increase, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a narrow second diameter portion specifically at the connection portion where it connects to the pump tube and secondary water supply channel. This localized narrowing provides the necessary flow control precision for the small 1mm secondary water supply port, while the rest of the tube maintains larger diameter sections that prevent excessive pressure buildup, thus achieving both good flow control and acceptable pressure levels.
3Productivity
If the pump tube is repeatedly squeezed by rollers to send liquid, then the liquid supply capability is improved, but the tube cracks or breaks due to high internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pump tube system is segmented into multiple diameter portions, with the second diameter portion at the connection point being narrower. This segmentation creates a pressure relief mechanism where the narrow section accommodates the high pressure generated by the roller pump without transmitting excessive stress to the entire tube. The pump tube itself is positioned in a groove that provides external support, further protecting it from cracking under repeated squeezing, thus maintaining both liquid supply capability and tube strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by positioning the pump tube within a groove structure that offers external support and protection. This groove acts as a cushioning element that prevents the pump tube from cracking or breaking when repeatedly squeezed by the rollers. The groove structure absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress, protecting the tube integrity while allowing the pump to maintain its liquid supply capability.
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 system enables reliable water sending and improved drainage during endoscopic examinations and surgical operations, preventing tube cracking and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the bypass water supply tube being configured to cause a part of the liquid flowing through the downstream-side water supply tube to flow back into the upstream-side water supply tube
Implementation Method 2
the pump tube being configured to repeat an operation of sending a liquid held inside to a downstream side and drawing in a liquid from an upstream side when being pressed by any one of the plurality of pressing portions in turn during rotation of the rotary body
Data Source
AI summary
A pump tube unit according to the present invention includes a pump tube for sending and drawing liquid, an upstream-side water supply tube connected to an upstream-side end portion of the pump tube, a downstream-side water supply tube connected to a downstream-side end portion of the pump tube, and a bypass water supply tube, connected across the upstream-side water supply tube and the downstream-side water supply tube, and returns a part of the liquid flowing through the downstream-side water supply tube to flow back into the upstream-side water supply tube. The bypass water supply tube has a small-diameter portion in a predetermined range except for both end portions of the bypass water supply tube. The small-diameter portion has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of other range.