Multi-jet Endoscope Pump with Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes lack the capability to concurrently and multi-directionally supply fluids to multiple fluid injectors or jet openings, making it inefficient for quickly and effectively cleaning body cavities or portions of the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tube with multiple fluid channels and a dual-direction pump, controlled by a user-activated mechanism, that directs fluid flow to either a front jet or both a front and side jet, allowing for independent control of fluid direction through check valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid channel is used in current endoscopes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to concurrently and multi-directionally supply fluids to multiple jet openings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is divided into multiple separate channels (first fluid channel and second fluid channel), each capable of independently supplying fluid to different jet openings. This segmentation allows concurrent multi-directional fluid supply while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to perform multiple functions by directing fluid through different channels to different jet openings based on operational needs. The same pump can supply fluid to the first jet opening via the first channel or to the second jet opening via the second channel, providing versatile fluid distribution capability.
2Productivity
If fluid is supplied to multiple jet openings simultaneously, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control capability where the pump can be selectively activated to supply fluid to different channels and jet openings based on real-time operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt fluid distribution patterns during procedures, optimizing cleaning efficiency for different anatomical structures or contamination levels.
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
Enables efficient and controlled fluid distribution to multiple areas of the endoscope, enhancing cleaning capabilities and operational efficiency during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pump connected to the tube, wherein the pump is adapted to direct fluid from the external source to at least one of a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels in said tube
Implementation Method 2
allowing for independent control of fluid direction through check valves
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification describes a control mechanism to control fluid flow through one or more fluid channels that supply fluid to the distal tip of an endoscope. A pump is provided with an endoscope to control the flow of fluid from an external source to a combination of fluid channels within the endoscope, which supply fluid to front and side jets of a multi-jet endoscope assembly. The pump is preferably dual-direction pump that enables control of fluid to either the front jet or to the front and side jets of the endoscope.