Endoscope Air-Water Valve Assembly for Leak and Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative medical devices and systems, particularly air and water supply valve assemblies for endoscopes, that provide efficient control over gas and water flow while minimizing leakage and backflow.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a valve body, valve cap, and valve stem configured to translate between positions, featuring upper and lower wiper seals and a one-way seal to control gas and water flow through internal chambers, utilizing flexible seals and a spring mechanism for automatic return to default positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve assembly is designed to control both gas and water flow through multiple chambers, then precise control over fluid supply is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple seals and chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into five distinct chambers (first through fifth chambers) with different diameters, each serving specific functions for gas and water flow control. This segmentation allows independent control of gas and water supplies through separate passages and sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem with multiple seals (upper wiper seal, lower wiper seal, one-way seal) is nested within the valve well, with each seal positioned at specific locations to control flow through different chambers. The seals are arranged concentrically around the valve stem, creating a compact nested structure.
2Reliability
If wiper seals are positioned to obstruct gas flow in both chambers, then gas leakage is prevented, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring flow paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different seals are positioned at specific locations with different functions: the upper wiper seal has first and second wipers for different chambers, the lower wiper seal has first and second wipers for water and gas chambers, and the one-way seal is positioned between specific chambers. Each seal's position and properties are optimized for its specific location.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem acts as an intermediary component that, when moved between upper and lower positions, selectively positions the seals to either obstruct or allow flow through different chambers, thereby controlling the flow paths between gas and water supplies.
3Reliability
If a one-way seal is added to prevent backflow of gas, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way seal is designed to dynamically respond to pressure differentials, allowing gas flow in one direction (from second chamber to first chamber) while automatically preventing backflow in the opposite direction. This dynamic sealing action eliminates the need for additional mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for an air and water valve assembly for a medical device. The valve assembly includes a valve cap and valve stem with a central lumen that fits within the internal valve well of a valve body. Two wiper seals and a one-way seal surround the valve stem. The valve stem's external diameter changes along its length in correspondence with the changing internal diameter of the valve well, such that that each of the seals extend a similar distance to obstruct gas or water as required.