Fluid Flow Control Assembly for Endoscope Siphon Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges with water leakage and siphoning after procedures, leading to spills and potential damage to equipment, necessitating the need for improved containment solutions.
Innovation Solution
A container and tube set designed for endoscopic procedures, featuring a fluid flow control assembly that selectively controls fluid flow through the water supply tube in response to an opening pressure, preventing siphoning and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water container and tube set are used to supply fluid to an endoscope during procedures, then the endoscope can be effectively irrigated and lens washed, but water leakage and siphoning occur after the procedure causing spills and potential equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is pre-configured with a valve that automatically closes in response to pressure changes, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents water leakage and siphoning before they can occur. The valve's closing mechanism is activated by the pressure differential that would otherwise cause the harmful siphon effect, thereby preemptively blocking the harmful pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly acts as an intermediary device between the water container and the tube set, mediating the fluid flow and preventing direct uncontrolled discharge. The valve within the flow control assembly serves as a controllable gateway that regulates and stops fluid flow, preventing the harmful siphoning effect from directly impacting the surrounding environment and equipment.
2Productivity
If the connector is disconnected from the umbilical after the procedure, then the endoscope can be switched out for the next procedure, but residual pressure causes a siphon vacuum that spills all water onto the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is pre-configured with a valve that automatically closes in response to pressure changes, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents water leakage and siphoning before they can occur. The valve's closing mechanism is activated by the pressure differential that would otherwise cause the harmful siphon effect, thereby preemptively blocking the harmful pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes without requiring external intervention. When pressure drops after connector disconnection, the valve self-activates to close the flow path, preventing the siphon vacuum effect. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual valve operation while maintaining fluid containment.
3Reliability
If a fluid flow control assembly with opening pressure greater than head pressure is used, then siphoning and leaks are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes without requiring external intervention. When pressure drops after connector disconnection, the valve self-activates to close the flow path, preventing the siphon vacuum effect. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual valve operation while maintaining fluid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly utilizes pressure differential principles from pneumatics and hydraulics to automatically control fluid flow. The valve is designed to respond to pressure changes inherent in the system, using the fluid's own pressure dynamics to activate the closing mechanism and prevent siphoning, thereby avoiding the need for complex external control systems.
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 effectively prevents water leakage and siphoning, reducing the need for cleaning and minimizing damage to equipment, while also simplifying the process of preparing for subsequent procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the residual pressure within the connector or pressure vessel may cause a siphon vacuum to be pulled, thus spilling all of the water in the container/pressure vessel out onto the floor via the tube set
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a flow of fluid to an endoscope. An illustrative container and tube set arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope may comprise a container configured to contain a fluid, a water supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen extending therethrough, a gas supply tube including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen extending therethrough, and a fluid flow control assembly positioned in-line with the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly may be configured to selectively control a flow of fluid through the water supply tube. The fluid flow control assembly may be configured to allow a flow of fluid in response to an opening pressure.