Endoscope Medical Valve With Dual Lumens for Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face issues with tubing clogging due to the entry of body fluids and debris during procedures, necessitating effective air/water delivery and cleaning functions, especially in reusable valves that require reprocessing between procedures.
Innovation Solution
A valve system for endoscopes with a proximal and distal valve stem member, featuring a membrane that forms a fluid-tight barrier and multiple lumens, allowing for configurations to deliver air, water, or both, and perform cleaning functions, with a single-use or reusable option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable air/water and cleaning valves are used, then the valve can be used multiple times, but the valve must be subjected to reprocessing between procedures which increases complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single-use valve that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for reprocessing. The valve is designed to be inexpensive enough to justify single-use, thereby reducing the complexity and time associated with reprocessing reusable valves while maintaining adequate service life for the duration of a single procedure.
2Device complexity
If a single-use valve is used, then reprocessing is simplified, but the valve must be discarded after one use which increases substance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes that make single-use economically viable. The material loss is accepted as a trade-off for eliminating reprocessing complexity, and the valve is engineered to perform reliably for the duration of one procedure before being discarded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve delivers both air and water, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air and water delivery functions into a single valve body with integrated lumens and control mechanisms. The valve stem and internal passages are designed to handle both fluids through a unified structure, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed as a multi-functional component that can deliver both air and water through the same basic structure. The internal lumens and control mechanisms are configured to handle different fluids with a single device, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If the valve performs cleaning function, then tubing clogging is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the air/water delivery function in a single valve assembly. The same valve body and control mechanisms that deliver air and water during the procedure are also used to deliver cleaning solution through integrated lumens, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning valve and reducing overall device complexity.
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 valve system effectively delivers air and water during procedures and facilitates efficient post-procedure cleaning, preventing clogging and simplifying reprocessing, while offering a single-use or reusable solution.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal valve stem member may include a membrane within the first lumen that forms a fluid tight barrier between the proximal opening and the distal opening
Implementation Method 2
The distal valve stem may be movable relative to the proximal valve stem
Implementation Method 3
a first lumen extending from a proximal opening at a proximalmost end of the proximal valve stem member to a distal opening at a distalmost end of the proximal valve stem member
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for use in an endoscope may comprise a proximal valve stem member having a first lumen extending from a proximal opening at a proximalmost end of the proximal valve stem member to a distal opening at a distalmost end of the proximal valve stem member. A distal valve stem member may have a second lumen with a proximal opening at a proximalmost end of the distal valve stem member. The proximalmost end of distal valve stem member may be received within the distal opening of the first lumen. The distal valve stem may be movable relative to the proximal valve stem.