Integrated Endoscope Valve Assembly for Leak-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges with unreliable and fragile valves that are prone to failure, leading to leaks and complex user interfaces that require a steep learning curve, resulting in inaccurate, inefficient, and unreliable fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device comprising a valve set and a valve interface mechanism, which includes a primary control valve, air input valve, and atmospheric valve, along with biasing members and a user interface mechanism that provides intuitive control of fluid flow through an endoscope by transitioning between different states with tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valves are used in endoscopic systems, then the device structure is simple, but the valves are unreliable and fragile, leading to failure and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly that controls both air and water flow through a unified structure. The valve assembly includes a valve body with integrated air input valve, atmospheric valve, and primary control valve that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate fragile valve components while improving overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single mechanism. The primary control valve can direct water flow to different destinations (water output channel or balloon channel), the air input valve controls air flow, and the atmospheric valve manages atmospheric pressure equalization, all within one integrated assembly that reduces complexity
2Ease of operation
If complex valve mechanisms are used to control fluid flow, then flow control precision is improved, but the user interface becomes complex requiring a steep learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity from the user interface by providing tactile feedback mechanisms that give users clear sensory information about valve states without requiring them to understand the underlying complex valve mechanisms. The tactile feedback system communicates system status through touch, separating the user interaction layer from the mechanical complexity layer
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide users with sensory information about the current valve configuration and fluid flow states. This feedback loop allows users to intuitively understand system status and make appropriate adjustments without requiring extensive training on complex valve operations
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 and intuitive control of fluid flow, improving operator experience, reducing learning curves, and enhancing the dependability, ergonomics, and adaptability of endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more biasing members may comprise first, second, and third biasing members... The first, second, and third biasing members may position the user interface mechanism in the first state when user input is absent
Implementation Method 2
the first biasing member may comprise a pressure differential between a portion of the atmospheric valve and the atmospheric channel created by configuring the valve set to place the air input channel in fluid communication with the atmospheric channel
Implementation Method 3
the first biasing member may comprise a first bellow and the second biasing member comprising a second bellow, wherein the first and second bellows are disposed in series between the air input valve and the atmospheric channel. In some such embodiments, the first and second bellows provide different biasing forces
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.