Endoscope Suction Valve Stem Structure for Leak-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction valves for endoscopes suffer from leaks and leakage issues, leading to poor sealing and hydraulic lock problems that affect the suction function during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suction valve design comprising a stem, spring, spring cup, and boot, with specific structural features such as recessed slots, flats, and seal areas, along with a molding method that ensures a smooth, air-tight seal and prevents fluid communication, minimizing drag marks and burrs for improved fitment to endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suction valve designs are used, then the basic suction function is provided, but leaks and poor sealing occur leading to hydraulic lock problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible boot component that acts as a sealing element, utilizing elastic deformation to maintain contact and seal against the suction port. This flexible membrane approach resolves the sealing reliability issue by adapting to surface irregularities and maintaining consistent sealing pressure without rigid mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a boot as an intermediary sealing element between the stem and the suction port. This intermediate component mediates the sealing function, allowing the rigid stem to actuate while the flexible boot provides the actual seal, preventing leaks and hydraulic lock conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the suction valve stem is depressed to open the suction channel, then suction function is activated, but fluid may backflow into the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by positioning the sealing boot to prevent fluid backflow before it can occur. The boot is configured to maintain a seal that actively opposes potential backflow, and the valve design ensures that when depressed, the suction flow direction is maintained without allowing reverse flow into the patient.
3Productivity
If existing valve structures are used, then suction control is achieved, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible boot not only provides sealing but also acts as a damping element that absorbs operational vibrations and reduces noise. The elastic material absorbs mechanical energy from valve actuation, converting it to minimal heat rather than allowing it to propagate as noise, thus resolving the noise issue while maintaining suction control efficiency.
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 design provides a reliable, leak-free suction function with reduced noise and improved sealing, ensuring consistent operation and preventing fluid backflow into patients.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, a spring cup, and a boot, wherein the bottom end of the stem extends through the spring, the spring cup, and the boot
Implementation Method 2
open the suction channel to create negative pressure that draws air or fluid into the opening of the instrument channel of the endoscope
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A suction valve stem, a suction valve, an endoscopic valve kit, and a method for molding a stem are provided. The suction valve stem includes: a button head, and a stem body connecting to the button head. The stem body includes: an air passage through the center bore, a recessed slot, disposed on the stem body below the button head and above the side opening, a sealing area, disposed on the stem body below the side opening, and a flat, disposed on the stem body. The air passage includes a side opening disposed on side surface of the stem body and a bottom opening disposed at a bottom end of the stem body. The recessed slot is disposed 90 degrees from the side opening. The flat is disposed 90 degrees from the side opening and has a fluid communication to the bottom end of the stem body.