Multiple Bottle Liquid Feed System for Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices and systems for endoscopic procedures lack efficient and reliable liquid supply systems that can manage multiple fluid sources effectively, leading to potential interruptions and inefficiencies during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A liquid feed system comprising a connector line in fluid communication with a pump and multiple bottles, each equipped with an outlet tube featuring a float valve. The float valve ensures that when a bottle is depleted, the valve closes, preventing further fluid draw and maintaining a continuous liquid supply from remaining bottles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a single bottle is used for liquid supply, then the system is simple, but the procedure is interrupted when the bottle is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple bottles (first bottle, second bottle, third bottle) connected in parallel to the connector line. Each bottle can independently supply liquid through its own outlet tube and float valve, allowing the system to maintain continuous supply by switching between segments when one is depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bottles are pre-filled and connected to the system before the procedure begins. The float valves are pre-positioned to automatically close when liquid levels drop, and the system is designed to automatically redirect flow to remaining bottles without requiring manual intervention during the procedure.
2Productivity
If manual monitoring of liquid levels is used, then the system is simple, but interruptions occur during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
Each bottle is equipped with a float valve that automatically monitors its own liquid level and closes when depleted, without requiring external monitoring. The system self-regulates by automatically redirecting liquid flow from depleted bottles to remaining bottles through the connector line, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valves provide automatic feedback on liquid levels within each bottle. When the liquid level drops below the float valve, it closes to prevent air ingress, and this feedback mechanism triggers the pump to draw from alternative bottles, creating a self-correcting system that maintains continuous liquid supply.
3Reliability
If multiple bottles are connected without float valves, then the system provides continuous supply, but air ingress occurs when bottles are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
Float valves are installed at the outlet of each bottle to act as intermediaries between the liquid supply and the connector line. These valves automatically close when liquid is depleted, preventing air from entering the system while allowing seamless transition to other bottles, thus maintaining supply reliability without complex control mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a pump system is used to draw liquid, then liquid can be delivered to the treatment site, but air ingress disrupts the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bottles are connected in advance to the connector line with float valves already in place, creating a buffer system that prevents air ingress before it can disrupt the procedure. When one bottle is depleted, the system has pre-established alternative pathways through other bottles, cushioning against procedure interruptions.
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 system ensures a continuous and efficient liquid supply during endoscopic procedures by automatically switching to remaining fluid sources when one bottle is depleted, minimizing interruptions and optimizing fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
each bottle having an outlet tube with a float valve... When a liquid supply available in any one of the plurality of bottles is depleted, the float valve associated with the depleted bottle closes
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for a fluid supply for an endoscope. A plurality of bottles each include an outlet tube with a float valve; they are connected in series along a connection line. When each bottle is depleted, its float valve closes, allowing the remaining bottles to be drawn from.