Integrated Endoscope Valve Assembly 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 that provides tactile feedback and intuitive control states, allowing for reliable and ergonomic management of air, water, and suction flows through an endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional valve assembly is used to control fluid flow through an endoscope, then fluid control functionality is provided, but the system suffers from fragility, leakage, and complex user interface that reduce reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (primary control valve, air input valve, atmospheric valve) and their control interfaces into a single integrated valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate valve components and interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through unified construction. The integrated design allows all fluid control functions to be managed from one location with a simplified user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously controls multiple fluid pathways (water channel, air channel, suction channel) and performs multiple operations (inflating/deflating balloon, controlling irrigation, managing suction). This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate valve systems into one reliable component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to control different fluid channels, then comprehensive fluid control is achieved, but device complexity increases and fragility rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single valve assembly with unified construction. The primary control valve, air input valve, and atmospheric valve are combined into one compact unit that controls water, air, and suction channels simultaneously. This merging maintains comprehensive fluid control capability while eliminating the complexity and fragility associated with multiple separate valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections (water control section, air control section, suction control section) that can be manufactured and assembled separately then combined. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and maintenance while achieving the versatility of controlling multiple fluid channels through a single unified assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex valve mechanisms are used to provide precise fluid control, then flow management accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more prone to failure and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric valve is designed to automatically regulate airflow based on pressure differential without requiring active user control. The valve self-adjusts to maintain proper airflow balance, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring precise fluid flow management. This self-regulating feature improves reliability by removing potential failure points associated with complex controlled mechanisms.
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.