Integrated Endoscope Valve Assembly for Leak-Resistant Fluid 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 control, which complicates medical procedures and reduces operator confidence.
Innovation Solution
The development of a valve set and interface mechanism that includes a primary control valve, air input valve, and atmospheric valve, allowing for intuitive control of fluid flow through multiple states, with tactile feedback and simplified user interaction, enhancing reliability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid control functionality is provided, but the systems are prone to failure due to fragility and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve components (primary control valve, air input valve, atmospheric valve) and their control mechanisms into a single integrated valve assembly. This merging eliminates the fragility and leakage issues of separate components by creating a unified structure where all valve elements work together as one robust system, directly addressing the reliability-strength contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - controlling water flow, air flow, and atmospheric pressure regulation - within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving overall system reliability and strength while maintaining comprehensive fluid control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid control is provided, but the user interface is complex leading to difficult operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and simplifies the user interface by providing a single integrated control mechanism that directly manipulates the valve assembly, removing the need for complex separate controls for each valve function. This extraction of essential control functions into a unified interface directly addresses the ease of operation versus device complexity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide immediate sensory information to the operator about valve state and fluid flow conditions. This feedback enables intuitive operation without requiring complex interfaces or extensive training, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
3Reliability
If existing endoscope valve systems are used, then fluid control functionality is provided, but leakage occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sealing mechanisms and valve components into a unified valve assembly with continuous sealing surfaces. This merging eliminates gaps and potential leakage points that exist in separate component systems, directly addressing the reliability-leakage contradiction by creating a seamless fluid control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates flexible sealing elements and membranes that conform to mating surfaces, ensuring complete seals even under varying pressure conditions. These flexible sealing components prevent fluid leakage while maintaining system reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and leakage prevention.
Data Source
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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.