Endoscope Valve Interface 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, along with a user-friendly interface mechanism capable of transitioning between multiple states to intuitively control fluid flows through endoscope channels, providing tactile feedback and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve systems are used in endoscopes, then fluid control functions are provided, but the systems suffer from fragility, leakage, and complex operation leading to unreliable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (air input valve, atmospheric valve, primary control valve) into a single integrated valve assembly that operates through a unified interface mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the overall system structure, and improves reliability by eliminating potential failure points between multiple discrete valve units while maintaining comprehensive fluid control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can control different fluid pathways (air input, atmospheric, water input) through a single integrated structure. The primary control valve and associated valves work together within one assembly to provide multiple fluid control functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile operational capabilities across different endoscope applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to control different fluid channels, then comprehensive fluid control is achieved, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve control functions into a single unified interface mechanism that manipulates the valve assembly as one unit. Instead of requiring separate controls for air input valve, atmospheric valve, and primary control valve, the user operates a single interface that coordinates all valve actions, dramatically simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to control multiple fluid channels independently when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex valve system. It translates simple user inputs into coordinated movements of multiple valves within the assembly, providing an intuitive control interface that masks the underlying complexity of the multi-valve system and makes the device easy to operate while preserving full fluid control versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex valve assemblies are used to provide multiple fluid control functions, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but operator confidence and usability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve control functions into a single integrated assembly with one unified interface, reducing the cognitive and physical complexity for the operator. This integration maintains comprehensive fluid control capability across air, water, and atmospheric channels while presenting a simple, confidence-inspiring interface that improves operator usability and reduces training requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to automatically coordinate the operation of its internal valves through the single interface mechanism. When the user operates the interface, the assembly self-manages the complex interactions between air input valve, atmospheric valve, and primary control valve, eliminating the need for the operator to understand or manage each individual valve, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining full control capability.
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) 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.