Integrated Fluid Block for Endoscope Gas and Liquid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope operating elements with complex gas and liquid conduits and valves are difficult to clean, leading to contamination risks and challenging assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid block with integrated gas and liquid conduits and a control valve that can be operated externally, allowing for a simplified assembly and maintenance-friendly design, made from transparent plastic to reduce costs, and featuring a spool valve mechanism for switching between gas and liquid supply positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex valves and multiple conduits are provided in the endoscope operating element, then gas and liquid control functions are achieved, but the device becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid conduits (gas and liquid channels) and control valves into a single integrated fluid block. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces the number of surfaces requiring cleaning and simplifies maintenance procedures while maintaining all necessary gas and liquid control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses both gas-conducting and liquid-conducting channels, integrates control valves for both fluid types, and provides a unified structure that can be operated from outside. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and conduits are used, then comprehensive fluid control is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate valves and conduits into a single integrated fluid block that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This significantly simplifies the assembly process of the endoscope operating element, reducing both assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive fluid control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If transparent plastic is used for the fluid block, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but visibility of internal fluid flow is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of color/transparency changes by using transparent plastic material for the fluid block. This allows the block to be manufactured at lower cost compared to opaque materials while simultaneously enabling visibility of the internal fluid flow paths, achieving both cost reduction and improved observability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid block (1) for an endoscope operating element, comprising at least one gas-conducting channel (4) provided inside the fluid block (1) and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, at least one liquid-conducting channel (5) provided inside the fluid block (1) and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and at least one control valve (2) for opening/blocking the at least one gas-conducting channel (4) and the at least one liquid-conducting channel (5).The invention further relates to an endoscope having such a fluid block.