Endoscope Valve Interface Mechanisms for Precise Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope valves are prone to failure, leak, and require complex, non-intuitive operation, leading to unreliable and inefficient fluid control during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of valve sets and interface mechanisms that provide reliable, intuitive control of fluid flow through endoscopes, featuring ergonomic interfaces with tactile feedback and simplified manufacturing, including components like push/pull switches, bellows, and rotational switches, to facilitate easy operation and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex valve mechanisms are used to control fluid flow, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into multiple independent valves (atmospheric valve, working channel valve, balloon valve) that can be controlled separately. Each valve handles a specific fluid pathway, allowing precise control of individual flows while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A single user interface mechanism controls multiple valves through a unified system. The interface mechanism integrates control of the atmospheric valve, working channel valve, and balloon valve, reducing the number of separate controls needed while maintaining precise flow control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to control different fluid channels, then flow control versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve controls are merged into a single user interface mechanism. The interface mechanism simultaneously or sequentially actuates the atmospheric valve, working channel valve, and balloon valve through integrated linkages, allowing the operator to control multiple fluid pathways with one unified control system rather than separate controls for each valve.
3Reliability
If precise valve control is implemented, then fluid flow reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide tactile indication to the operator about the current valve states. This allows the operator to verify flow control settings and ensures reliable operation without requiring complex electronic monitoring systems, maintaining simplicity while enhancing reliability.
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) 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.