Endoscope Suction Valve for Distal-Opening Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face interruptions in suction operations due to the body cavity wall blocking or reducing the opening amount during procedures, making the process burdensome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a distal end portion featuring a distal end opening, a side surface opening, and a suction channel, equipped with a valve that switches states based on suction flow rates, ensuring continuous suction through both openings even when the distal end opening is blocked by the body cavity wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction is performed through the distal end opening only, then the suction structure is simple, but the suction operation is interrupted when the distal end opening is blocked by the body cavity wall
Solution Approach 1:
The suction function is segmented into two separate suction channels: a first suction channel for suctioning through the distal end opening and a second suction channel for suctioning through the side opening. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different suction paths, ensuring continuous suction operation even when one path is blocked, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end rigid portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the first suction channel (through the distal end opening) and the second suction channel (through the side opening). This multi-functionality allows the single structural component to provide redundant suction paths, improving suction reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a valve is added to switch between openings, then suction continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to automatically switch between the first and second suction channels based on the suction state itself. When the distal end opening is blocked, the suction pressure difference automatically actuates the valve to switch to the side opening without requiring external control or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service capability improves suction continuity while minimizing the addition of complex control systems.
3Quantity of substance
If the distal end opening is used for suction, then the structure is simple, but the suction flow is insufficient when the opening is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The suction function is extended from a single-dimensional path (distal end opening only) to a two-dimensional approach by adding a side opening on the lateral surface of the distal end rigid portion. This dimensional change provides an alternative suction path that can be activated when the primary path is blocked, ensuring adequate suction flow rate without excessive structural 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 system allows uninterrupted suction by automatically switching to the side surface opening when the distal end opening is obstructed, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing treatment time and burden.
Implementation Method 1
a valve switchable between an open state and a closed state, wherein when a first suctioning flow through the distal end opening is less than a minimum suctioning flow, the valve is in the open state and a second suctioning flow through the side opening is present
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope comprising an insertion section including a distal end portion, a distal end opening in a distal end surface of a distal end portion, a side opening in a side surface of the distal end portion, a suction channel located in the insertion section and extending proximally from the distal end portion, and a valve switchable between an open state and a closed state. When a first suctioning flow through the distal end opening is less than a minimum suctioning flow, the valve is in the open state and a second suctioning flow through the side opening is present, and when the first suctioning flow is more than the minimum suctioning flow, the valve is in the closed state and the second suctioning flow is absent.