Endoscope Suction Valve Movable Plug Vent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope suction systems face issues with clogging and efficiency due to internal ducts and plugs that obstruct the passage, limiting the functional rate of suction and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope suction valve with a movable plug that controls suction by opening or closing a vent inlet without occluding the interior passage, allowing for adjustable suction rates and reducing clogging by avoiding obstruction of the passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stem with internal duct is used to control suction, then suction control is achieved, but the functional rate of suction is limited and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the internal duct from the stem and extracts the suction control function to a separate valve mechanism. The stem becomes a simple plunger that opens/closes the vent inlet, while the interior passage remains completely open and unobstructed, allowing maximum suction rate through the full diameter of the passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the suction control function from the suction passage. The valve mechanism is segmented into a stem that controls the vent inlet independently from the main interior passage, allowing the passage to remain fully open while control is achieved through the vent inlet mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a plug occludes the interior passage to control suction, then suction activation is achieved, but clogging occurs and suction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the occlusion function from the interior passage and relocates it to the vent inlet. The plug (stem) now occludes only the vent inlet rather than the main suction passage, keeping the interior passage completely clear and resistant to clogging while still achieving suction control.
3Ease of operation
If a stem blocks the channel to control suction, then suction control is achieved, but the passage is obstructed and efficiency is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking the suction inlet to control suction, the invention inverts the approach by using a vent inlet that allows air to enter when open. When the vent inlet is open, air enters and prevents suction; when closed, suction proceeds. This inversion allows the stem to control suction without obstructing the main passage.
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 solution enhances suction efficiency by maintaining an unobstructed passage, reducing clogging, and providing dexterous control over suction rates, improving the overall performance of endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device that interfaces with the suction outlet and is configured to draw a flow of fluid from the interior passage to the suction outlet in response to a pressure drop constantly imparted by the suction device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for an endoscope apparatus. The apparatus may include a body forming a passage wall that defines an interior passage extending between a suction inlet and a suction outlet. The apparatus may further include a vent inlet in fluid communication with the interior passage, and a valve. The valve may be movable between a first position and a second position. When the plug is in the first position, the plug may close the vent inlet without occluding the interior passage, and when the plug is in the second position, the vent inlet may be open.