Endoscope Suction Valve Assembly With Tactile Three-State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope valve systems are prone to failure due to fragility, leakage, and complex user interfaces, leading to unreliable and inefficient fluid flow control, which complicates medical procedures and reduces usability.
Innovation Solution
A suction valve set with a valve interface mechanism that includes a working channel valve, balloon valve, and atmospheric valve, configured to be adjustable between three states, providing intuitive control through a set of biasing members, a bowl, and a linkage, allowing for tactile feedback and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the systems are prone to failure due to fragility and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (suction valve, working channel valve, balloon valve, atmospheric valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. This merging of previously separate components into one robust unit reduces the number of potential failure points and improves overall system reliability while maintaining all necessary fluid control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections (suction channel, working channel, balloon channel, atmospheric channel) with dedicated valves for each. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being part of a unified, reliable assembly that reduces overall fragility.
2Ease of operation
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the user interface is complex leading to reduced usability
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses a universal control mechanism where a single suction control simultaneously manages multiple functions (suction flow, working channel flow, balloon inflation/deflation). This multi-functional approach simplifies the user interface by reducing the number of separate controls needed while maintaining comprehensive fluid management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve assembly that acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex fluid management system. This intermediate component provides a simplified interface (suction control, atmospheric valve control) that mediates the complexity of coordinating multiple fluid channels, making the system easier to operate.
3Productivity
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but leakage occurs reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all fluid control functions into a single integrated valve assembly with unified sealing mechanisms, the patent eliminates the leakage problems associated with multiple separate connections. The integrated design ensures consistent sealing across all channels (suction, working, balloon, atmospheric) improving procedural efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then basic fluid control is achieved, but the system lacks intuitive control and tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide the operator with physical sensation of valve position and fluid flow states. This feedback loop allows the operator to intuitively understand system status through touch, improving control intuitiveness without losing important operational information.
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 provides reliable, intuitive, and ergonomic control of fluid flows in endoscopes, enhancing operator experience, reducing learning curves, and improving manufacturing efficiency, resulting in more dependable and efficient medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The set of one or more biasing members may be configured to bias the balloon valve to block flow through the balloon channel
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow of fluids in endoscopic systems, such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enabled endoscopes. Some embodiments are particularly directed to valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms for controlling air, water, and/or suction flow through a valve well for an endoscopic system. Several embodiments are directed to user interface mechanisms and techniques for enabling an operator to interact with and control endoscope valves. Many embodiments are directed to mechanisms and techniques for translating interface input motion into valve control motions. In one or more embodiments, the valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms may be disposable.