Multi-way Valve Sealing Membrane for Selective Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments, such as microdebriders and endoscopes, face obstructions due to tissue, bone, or bodily materials, which can be difficult to clean, and the existing methods of irrigation and suction often require multiple connections that complicate procedures and hinder control over fluid application.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve system that integrates irrigation and suction functions into a single access point, utilizing a sealing membrane and occluder to provide selective fluid communication between multiple ports, allowing for efficient cleaning and obstruction removal while minimizing interference with medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual cables, tubes, lines, and ports are connected to the medical instrument for irrigation and suction, then fluid delivery functions are achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex and interferes with the doctor's ability to perform the medical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid delivery functions (irrigation and suction) into a single integrated valve assembly that connects to the medical instrument through one unified interface. The valve body integrates multiple internal passages and ports that can selectively deliver irrigation fluid, suction, or both simultaneously through a single external connection point, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables, tubes, and ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions through a single device: it can deliver irrigation fluid, provide suction, control fluid flow direction, and regulate pressure. The multi-way valve configuration allows one connection system to perform what previously required multiple separate connections, making the system more versatile while reducing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual cables, tubes, lines, and ports are connected to the medical instrument, then fluid delivery is achieved, but selective application of irrigation fluid and suction becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates movable components such as a disk or occluder that can dynamically shift positions to control fluid flow paths. This dynamic mechanism allows selective opening and closing of different fluid channels, enabling precise control over whether irrigation fluid, suction, or both are delivered through the single connection interface, making operation straightforward despite the multiple functions.
3Reliability
If a traditional piston or ball valve is used to provide selective communication between fluid lines, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the valve size and weight increase, interfering with or burdening the doctor or surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin-walled occluder instead of heavy solid components like pistons or balls. This thin film structure provides effective sealing between fluid lines while significantly reducing the weight and size of the valve assembly, making it lightweight enough not to burden or interfere with the surgeon during the medical procedure.
4Reliability
If a traditional piston or ball valve is used to provide selective communication between fluid lines, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the valve requires more components making it larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as both the sealing element and the moving component in one integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate pistons, valves, and sealing rings that would be required in a traditional design. This single thin film component provides reliable sealing while reducing the overall component count and simplifying the valve construction.
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 multi-way valve system effectively combines irrigation and suction functions, ensuring clear access and efficient cleaning of medical instruments, reducing procedural complications and allowing for precise control over fluid application, thus enhancing the operational efficiency during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
movement of a fluid supplied to the medical device at the third port moves the sealing membrane from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device is provided comprising a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a third port in selective fluid communication with both the first port and the second port; a sealing membrane disposed between the third port and both the first port and the second port, the sealing membrane is configured to move between a first position preventing fluid communication between the third port and both the first port and the second port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the third port and the first port, wherein movement of a fluid supplied to the medical device at the third port moves the sealing membrane from the first position to the second position.