Separation Cell V-Path Layout for Endoscopic Liquid-Air Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems for collecting and analyzing drops of biological liquid, such as gastric acid, are inefficient due to the use of peristaltic pumps, leading to prolonged analysis times and reduced sample quantity, often resulting in incomplete medical analyses.
Innovation Solution
A separation cell with a V-shaped path and aligned inlets and outlets, utilizing the Venturi effect to separate biological liquid from transport air, combined with a suction pump and vacuum source, ensuring rapid collection and analysis of a larger quantity of drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a peristaltic pump is used to suction biological liquid, then the system can collect liquid samples, but the collection time is prolonged and the sample quantity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid transport function into two independent parts: a peristaltic pump for precise liquid sampling and a vacuum source for rapid liquid removal. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between slow pump-based collection and the need for rapid processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a three-way valve as an intermediary component that controls the flow path between the peristaltic pump, vacuum source, and collection flask. This intermediary allows seamless switching between sampling mode (pump active) and rapid removal mode (vacuum active), enabling both precise collection and quick clearance without time loss.
2Measurement precision
If the centralized vacuum system is blocked by a solenoid valve during sampling, then precise liquid sampling is achieved, but the vacuum system cannot simultaneously convey excess liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically controllable three-way valve that can switch between different flow configurations based on operational needs. During sampling, the valve blocks the vacuum line to the collection flask; during excess liquid removal, the valve redirects the vacuum flow. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between precise sampling and efficient liquid conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between sampling operation and excess liquid removal operation through automated control of the three-way valve. This periodic action allows the vacuum system to alternate between being blocked (during precise sampling) and being active (during rapid conveyance), achieving both precision and productivity over time.
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 solution significantly reduces collection time and ensures a sufficient quantity of biological liquid for analysis, enhancing the efficiency of medical examinations like esophagogastroduodenoscopy by automating the separation and analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
A separation cell with a V-shaped path and aligned inlets and outlets, utilizing the Venturi effect to separate biological liquid from transport air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a separation cell for separating drops of biological liquid from transport air in a flow coming from an endoscope is provided. The separation cell has an inner chamber having an upper inlet fluidically connectable to the endoscope, for receiving a flow containing drops of biological liquid mixed with transport air, a bottom outlet for exit of the drops of biological liquid, fluidically connectable to a suction pump and to an element for collecting and/or analyzing the drops of biological liquid, and an upper outlet for exit of the transport air and optionally of the drops of biological liquid and/or rinse water, fluidically connectable to a vacuum source. The separation cell forms a depression arranged between the upper inlet and the upper outlet. The depression extends downwards into the inner chamber and determines, for incoming transport air, a V-shaped path between the upper inlet and the upper outlet.