Liquid Feeding Conduit Valve Mechanism for Endoscope Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope reprocessing systems face challenges in ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection of both the internal conduits and external caps, particularly due to issues with fluid pressure regulation and leakage control during the disinfection process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid feeding conduit system with a valve mechanism and biasing member that uses fluid pressure to securely connect with the endoscope conduit cap, combined with a buffer mechanism to regulate fluid pressure and delay valve movement, ensuring effective cleaning and disinfection of both internal and external surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve mechanism is used to connect the connector and cap watertightly, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically activate and connect the connector to the cap when fluid is supplied, without requiring manual operation or external control systems. The supply pressure of the fluid itself serves as the activation mechanism, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism utilizes the hydraulic pressure of the supplied fluid to automatically activate the connection between the connector and cap. The supply pressure drives the valve to move toward the cap side, creating a watertight connection without requiring additional mechanical actuation systems.
2Reliability
If fluid pressure is increased to ensure thorough cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically regulates fluid pressure through the buffer mechanism, allowing pressure to vary over time during the cleaning process. The pressure is not constant but rather increases gradually and is released in controlled manner, enabling thorough cleaning while preventing sudden pressure spikes that could damage the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer mechanism acts as a cushioning element that prevents sudden pressure spikes from reaching the endoscope. By absorbing and damping pressure fluctuations before they can cause damage, the buffer mechanism protects the endoscope while still allowing sufficient pressure for effective cleaning.
3Speed
If the valve moves quickly to establish connection, then the connection speed is improved, but the leakage control during cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer mechanism is positioned to delay the valve movement toward the cap side, acting as a cushion that prevents sudden connection. This delay allows the system to maintain controlled fluid flow and prevent leakage during the connection process, while still achieving rapid connection overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer mechanism creates a periodic or staged valve movement pattern rather than instantaneous connection. The valve moves gradually through intermediate positions, allowing the system to control fluid flow at different stages and prevent leakage while maintaining connection speed.
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
This solution ensures precise and thorough cleaning and disinfection of both the endoscope conduits and caps by regulating fluid pressure and flow rate, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the reprocessing process without requiring additional pressure regulation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer mechanism configured to delay the movement of the valve toward the side of the cap
Implementation Method 2
a valve provided in the connector, the valve being configured to move toward a side of the cap by a supply pressure of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid feeding conduit includes: a tube body of a cleaning tube through which a fluid passes; an endoscope-side connector provided at an end of the tube body, the endoscope-side connector being connected to a conduit cap of an endoscope conduit; a valve element provided in the endoscope-side connector, the valve element being configured to move toward a side of the conduit cap by a supply pressure of the fluid to thereby watertightly connect the endoscope-side connector and the conduit cap; a spring configured to bias the valve element toward an opposite side of the conduit cap; and a buffer unit configured to delay the movement of the valve element toward the side of the conduit cap.