Endoscope Tip Attachment Fluid Controller for Uniform Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes require effective cleaning and sterilization, particularly at the distal end where the forceps raising base is located, with existing methods not ensuring uniform coverage of cleaning solutions over the entire surface.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope tip attachment featuring a cylindrical casing with a fluid controller, such as a water wheel, that controls the flow of cleaning solution to evenly distribute it along the raising base at the distal end, preventing backflow and ensuring thorough cleaning of all surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cleaning solution is jetted using a syringe at the distal end of the endoscope, then cleaning is performed, but uniform coverage of cleaning solution over the entire surface of the raising base is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable fluid controller (water wheel) that rotates dynamically to distribute cleaning solution uniformly across the raising base surface. The fluid controller moves from a retracted position to an extended position where it rotates, allowing the cleaning solution to be distributed evenly over the entire surface of the raising base through rotational motion, thereby achieving uniform coverage that static methods cannot provide.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fluid controller is added to control solution flow distribution, then uniform cleaning coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid controller is designed to be automatically actuated by the cleaning solution flow itself. When cleaning solution is supplied, the flow pressure automatically drives the fluid controller to extend and rotate, distributing the solution uniformly without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service mechanism achieves uniform distribution while minimizing additional complexity, as the system uses the cleaning solution's own pressure to power the distribution mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles where the cleaning solution flow pressure acts on the fluid controller to generate rotational motion. The fluid controller functions as a water wheel that converts the kinetic energy of the flowing cleaning solution into rotational movement, thereby distributing the solution uniformly across the raising base. This hydraulic approach achieves precise control and uniform distribution using the fluid's own energy, avoiding complex mechanical actuation systems.
3Device complexity
If cleaning solution flows directly from the treatment-tool insertion channel, then simple structure is maintained, but solution does not flow equally along the entire surface of the raising base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid controller as an intermediary component between the treatment-tool insertion channel and the raising base. This intermediary device receives the cleaning solution from the channel and actively distributes it across the entire surface of the raising base through its rotational motion. The fluid controller serves as a mediating element that transforms the direct flow from the channel into a distributed uniform flow pattern, achieving precise coverage while adding only one functional component to the system.
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 ensures equal distribution of cleaning solution to all surfaces of the raising base and the housing room, facilitating efficient cleaning and sterilization of the endoscope's distal end portion.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid controller being movable by pressure received from the solution
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope tip attachment includes: a cylindrical casing that is arranged to surround a distal end portion of an endoscope that includes a raising base to raise a treatment tool; and a fluid controller that is positioned at an opening of a treatment-tool insertion channel of the endoscope inside the casing in a state in which the casing is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope, the fluid controller being configured to control a flow of solution that has flowed from the treatment-tool insertion channel of the endoscope toward the distal end portion of the endoscope to flow equally along an entire surface of the raising base provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope, and being movable by pressure received from the solution.