Compact Suction Valve with Offset Outlets and Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction valves for medical instruments face challenges such as limited installation space, impaired operability due to negative pressure, and complex, error-prone manufacturing, making them unsuitable for compact and cost-effective use in disposable medical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A compact suction valve design featuring a valve housing with two offset outlets and a displaceable piston, preloaded by spring force, with sealing surfaces and seals for reliable fluid control, allowing for easy operation and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional suction valve with two closure bodies and acute angle connections is used, then fluid connection control is achieved, but the installation space required is too large for compact medical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two previously separate functional elements into a single integrated valve body. The first closure body controls the first connection, while the second closure body (integrated into the same valve housing) controls the second connection. This merging reduces the overall installation space while maintaining the ability to independently control multiple fluid pathways, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and operational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If negative pressure is applied to the suction valve, then aspiration function is achieved, but the force acting on the valve piston impairs operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring element that acts as a counterbalancing force against the negative pressure applied to the valve piston. The spring preloads the piston in the closed position and opposes the suction force when the valve is actuated. This counterweight mechanism reduces the net force that the operator must overcome, thereby improving valve operability while maintaining the aspiration function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complex valve design with multiple closure bodies is used, then fluid control functionality is achieved, but manufacturing becomes error-prone and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple closure bodies into a single molded valve housing structure. Rather than manufacturing separate components and assembling them (which increases error potential), the valve body is produced as one piece with integrated sealing surfaces and piston guides. This merging of manufacturing steps reduces assembly errors and simplifies production while maintaining the complex fluid control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs uniform sealing surfaces and consistent material properties throughout the valve body. The sealing surfaces are integrally formed with the valve housing, ensuring homogeneous sealing characteristics across all connection points. This homogeneity reduces manufacturing variability and improves reliability by eliminating differences in material properties or assembly tolerances that could lead to leakage or failure.
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 design provides improved operability, sealing efficiency, and cost-effective manufacturing, enabling the valve to be used in disposable medical instruments while maintaining reliable fluid control and aspiration functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The valve piston is preloaded by spring force
Implementation Method 2
a suction pump, which provides the negative pressure required for aspiration
Data Source
AI summary
A valve according to the invention, in particular a suction valve, for a medical instrument comprises a valve housing with a cavity which extends in a longitudinal direction and into which, at a longitudinal side of the cavity, a first outlet and a second outlet open in a manner offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and a valve piston which is displaceable in the cavity in the longitudinal direction between an open position and a closed position of the valve and which has a recess through which, in the open position, the first outlet and the second outlet are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the valve piston has a first seal, which circumferentially surrounds the recess. The invention also relates to a medical instrument, in particular a medical endoscope or a medical endoscopic instrument, having such a valve.