Endoscope Valve Interface Cam for Intuitive Fluid Channel 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 flow control, which complicates medical procedures and increases user fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A valve set and interface mechanism with biasing members and user interfaces that provide tactile feedback, allowing for intuitive control of fluid flow through endoscopes, including states for air, water, and balloon channels, and translating motion into linear or rotational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex valve operation mechanisms are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and increases user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface mechanism that mediates between the operator and the complex valve system. This interface translates simple operator inputs (toggle positions) into appropriate valve actuations, shielding the operator from complexity while maintaining precise control over multiple fluid channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system employs self-service through automatic valve actuation based on toggle switch position. The biasing members and cam mechanisms automatically position valve members correctly when the toggle is moved, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple valve controls and reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple valve states are implemented for air, water, and balloon channels, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of multiple valve states into a single integrated toggle switch mechanism. The cam mechanism translates one toggle position into coordinated actuation of air input valve, water control valve, and atmospheric valve, achieving precise multi-channel fluid control through a unified interface rather than separate controls for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle switch serves universal functions by controlling multiple valve states simultaneously. A single interface component manages air flow control, water flow control, and balloon inflation/deflation, making the system multi-functional and reducing the number of separate controls needed while maintaining precise control over all fluid channels.
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, ergonomic, and efficient fluid flow control with reduced learning curves, improving operator experience and device usability in endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the cam may translate motion of the toggle into linear motion of the primary control valve
Implementation Method 2
The valve interface mechanism may include a set of one or more biasing members and a user interface mechanism
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device, comprising a valve set including a primary control valve, an air input valve, and an atmospheric valve, the primary control valve configured to control flow between a water input channel, a water output channel, and a balloon channel of a valve well, the air input valve configured to control flow through an air input channel of the valve well, and the atmospheric valve configured to control flow through an atmospheric channel, and a valve interface mechanism including a set of one or more biasing members and a user interface mechanism, the user interface mechanism comprising an interface member and a slot cam, the interface member operable between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state, the first state comprising the valve set configured to place the air input channel in fluid communication with the atmospheric channel, the second state comprising the valve set configured to place the air input channel in fluid communication with the air output channel, the third state comprising the valve set configured to place the water input channel in fluid communication with the water output channel, and the fourth state comprising the valve set configured to place the water input channel in fluid communication with the balloon channel. In the first state the air input valve permits flow through the air input channel and the atmospheric valve permits flow through the atmospheric channel. In the second state the air input valve permits flow through the air input channel and the atmospheric valve blocks flow through the atmospheric valve. In the third state the primary control valve permits flow from the water input channel to the water output channel and the air input valve blocks flow through the air input channel. In the fourth state, the primary control valve permits flow from the water input channel to the balloon channel and the air input valve blocks flow through the air input channel.