Endoscope Valve Interface With Motion Translation and Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope 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 inefficient and inaccurate fluid control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device comprising a valve set and a valve interface mechanism, which includes a primary control valve, an air input valve, and an atmospheric valve, configured to control flow between various channels in an endoscope valve well, along with a user interface mechanism that provides tactile feedback and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valves are used in endoscope systems, then the device structure is simple, but the valves are unreliable and fragile, leading to leaks and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (air input, water input, atmospheric pressure control) into a single integrated valve assembly with a unified control mechanism. This merging approach maintains reliability by eliminating multiple separate fragile valve components while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation of functions into one robust assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - controlling air flow, water flow, and atmospheric pressure equalization - through a single multi-functional mechanism. This universal design improves reliability by reducing the number of separate components that could fail, while the integrated nature prevents the system from becoming overly complex.
2Measurement precision
If complex valve control mechanisms are used, then fluid control precision is improved, but the user interface becomes complex requiring a steep learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control mechanism incorporates tactile feedback features that provide the operator with sensory information about the current valve state and fluid flow conditions. This feedback allows for precise fluid control through touch-sensitive actuation while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating the need for complex visual displays or multiple control steps, thereby reducing the learning curve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used for different fluid controls, then each valve can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges air input valve, water input valve, and atmospheric pressure control into a single integrated valve assembly. Each fluid control function is optimized within the unified structure through dedicated flow paths and control elements, maintaining versatility while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can independently control air flow, water flow, and atmospheric pressure equalization. This multi-functionality approach allows each fluid type to have its own optimized control path while preventing the system from becoming complex through the use of a single integrated housing and control mechanism.
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 through endoscopes, improving operator experience, reducing learning curves, and enhancing the dependability and ergonomics of endoscope procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the cam may translate motion of the toggle into linear motion of the primary control valve
Implementation Method 2
The set of one or more biasing members may comprise a first biasing member to bias the primary control valve toward a top of the valve well
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.