Outer Tube Valve Slit Orientation for Airtightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outer tubes with multiple insertion holes for endoscopes and treatment tools face issues with maintaining airtightness due to unequal stress distribution across valve leaflets, leading to potential leaks and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a configuration with two adjacent insertion holes and corresponding slit-type airtight valves, where the slits are disposed along a reference line, ensuring equal stress distribution and deformation of leaflets, thus maintaining airtightness over a longer period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If slits are formed parallel to the partition wall in D-shaped insertion holes, then the outer tube diameter is reduced and invasion to body wall is decreased, but unequal stress distribution causes early fatigue of valve leaflets and compromised airtightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally misaligning the slit orientation relative to the partition wall. Instead of forming slits parallel to the partition wall, the slits are formed at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to create symmetric stress distribution patterns on both sides of the partition wall, resolving the unequal stress problem while maintaining the reduced diameter benefit of D-shaped holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying the stress distribution characteristics locally at the valve leaflet regions. By changing the slit orientation angle, the stress concentration points are redistributed evenly across the partition wall interface, ensuring uniform fatigue resistance without changing the overall D-shaped hole geometry or increasing tube diameter.
2Ease of operation
If multiple treatment tools are inserted through separate outer tubes, then each tool can be operated independently, but the number of abdominal wall invasions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple treatment tool pathways into a single outer tube structure. The D-shaped insertion holes with partition walls allow multiple tools to pass through separate slits within one tube, maintaining independent operability while reducing the number of separate abdominal wall punctures required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by nesting multiple functional elements (slits for different tools) within a single outer tube structure. Each treatment tool has its own slit pathway nested within the shared outer tube, allowing independent access while sharing the common invasion point.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single outer tube with two insertion holes is used, then the number of abdominal wall invasions is reduced, but maintaining airtightness becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-parallel slit orientations relative to the partition wall. This asymmetric configuration (at specific angles) creates symmetric stress distribution patterns, simplifying the airtightness maintenance by ensuring uniform sealing pressure on both valve leaflets without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the slit orientation angle as a geometric parameter. By setting the slit angle to specific values (e.g., 45 degrees relative to the partition wall), the stress distribution parameter is optimized for uniformity, simplifying the overall valve system design while maintaining effective airtightness.
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 configuration ensures secure airtightness by evenly distributing stress across the leaflets, preventing early fatigue and maintaining the integrity of the valve system during repetitive use.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member including an elastic sheet is attached to this cap. The valve member includes a straight line (minus)-shaped slit in a position corresponding to each insertion hole. When the insertion part is internally fitted to the slit, the slit closely contacts with the outside surface of the insertion part. Moreover, at the time of non-insertion (removal) at which the insertion part is not internally fitted to the slit, the slit is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
The outer tube includes two insertion holes which are formed in a cross-sectional D-shape via a partition wall provided in the central part in a cross-section vertical to respective axial directions of the insertion holes. A slit of a valve body located in the insertion hole is disposed along reference line passing through centers of respective arcs of the insertion holes as seen from the axial directions of the insertion holes. Therefore, two leaflets of the slit abut on an arc edge of the insertion hole and a D-shaped cut part of the partition wall respectively when the insertion part of the treatment tool is internally fitted, and they are deformed into the same shape. Since there is no difference in stress applied to two leaflets, it is possible to secure the airtightness by the slit over a long period of time.