Rotating Pump Controller for Endoscope Multi-Jet Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes lack an efficient system for concurrently and multidirectionally supplying fluids to multiple jet openings, which hinders effective cleaning of body cavies and endoscope components during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dual-direction pump system that controls fluid flow through a combination of fluid channels, allowing fluid to be directed either to a front jet or to both front and side jets, enabled by a controller activated via user inputs such as buttons, levers, or pedals, with check valves ensuring directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump supplies fluid to multiple jet openings, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to concurrently and multidirectionally supply fluids to multiple jets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed to be rotatable, changing its orientation dynamically to direct fluid flow to different combinations of jets. The pump can rotate between a first orientation (supplying front jet only), a second orientation (supplying front and side jets), and intermediate orientations, enabling multidirectional concurrent fluid supply without requiring multiple fixed pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The pump's rotational degree of freedom adds a spatial dimension to fluid distribution control. By rotating the pump around its axis, fluid can be directed to different angular positions, enabling the single pump to serve multiple jet openings that are spatially distributed around the endoscope tip
2Measurement precision
If multiple valves are installed to control fluid flow rates independently, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to rotate together with the pump, allowing a single valve to dynamically control flow to different jet combinations. The rotating valve mechanism replaces multiple stationary valves by using rotational motion to redirect fluid flow paths, achieving independent flow control with fewer components
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotating valve assembly performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate valves. By rotating to different positions, the same valve controls fluid distribution to the front jet alone, to side jets alone, or to both simultaneously, making one valve universal for multiple flow control tasks
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating plug with internal fluid pathway is used, then fluid distribution to multiple jets is enabled, but device complexity and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump body and valve assembly are merged into a single integrated rotating unit. The valve is positioned within or as part of the pump structure, and both rotate together as one assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate rotating plug mechanisms with internal fluid pathways, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute fluid to multiple jets through rotational positioning
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 jets, enhancing the cleaning of body cavities and endoscope components, improving procedural efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the pump is a peristaltic pump
Data Source
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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.