Fluid Plug Unit for Endoscope Suction Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope suction mechanisms face challenges in effectively switching between leakage suppression and suction states, leading to potential fluid leakage and interference with treatment instruments, particularly when the pressure inside a lumen exceeds external air pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid plug unit with a piston-cylinder mechanism that communicates between a first suction conduit and a second suction conduit, allowing for axial movement to switch between states, ensuring fluid is either suppressed from leaking or actively suctioned by the device, using a leakage suppression passage and suction passage to manage pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional suction mechanism is used, then suction functionality is provided, but fluid leakage occurs when lumen pressure exceeds external air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid plug (piston) is introduced as an intermediary element between the first suction conduit portion and the second suction conduit portion. This fluid plug moves axially within a cylinder to selectively establish or break the fluid communication pathway, thereby controlling whether fluid is suctioned or leakage is suppressed. The fluid plug acts as a mediator that responds to pressure differences to automatically switch between suction and leakage suppression states without requiring complex external control systems.
2Reliability
If a piston-cylinder mechanism is added to switch between states, then fluid leakage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston-cylinder mechanism is designed to operate autonomously based on pressure differences between the lumen and external environment. When lumen pressure exceeds external pressure, the fluid plug is pushed axially to block the first suction conduit portion, automatically switching to leakage suppression mode. When external pressure exceeds lumen pressure, the fluid plug returns to its initial position, automatically restoring suction functionality. This self-service operation eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a piston-cylinder mechanism that responds to pressure differences between the lumen and external environment. The fluid plug moves axially within the cylinder under the influence of pressure differential forces, thereby controlling fluid flow paths. This pneumatic actuation mechanism provides a simple yet effective means of switching between suction and leakage suppression states without requiring complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
3Productivity
If suction conduit portions are connected directly, then fluid can be suctioned, but treatment instruments cannot be inserted or removed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The suction conduit system is segmented into a first suction conduit portion (within the insertion section) and a second suction conduit portion (in the universal cord), with the fluid plug mechanism providing selective connection between them. This segmentation allows the system to maintain suction efficiency when the conduits are connected while enabling proper instrument insertion and removal when the fluid plug blocks the first suction conduit portion. The segmentation creates independent functional zones that can operate according to different requirements.
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 fluid leakage while maintaining suction functionality, even when lumen pressure exceeds external air pressure, thereby enhancing treatment and observation precision without degrading instrument insertion/removal properties.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction conduit portion (61) including a distal end portion which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion section (20), and proximal end portions which are two-forked at a proximal end portion of the insertion section (20)... a fluid plug unit (70) which switches one of a suction state and a non-suction state to the other, by a piston (73) being pushed relative to a cylinder (71)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid plug unit includes a cylinder connected to a first conduit and a second conduit, and a piston configured execute switching between a first position where leakage of a fluid in the first conduit to an outside is suppressed, and a second position where the fluid is sucked. The fluid plug unit includes a first passage configured to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position, and a second passage configured to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position.