Universal Water Bottle Cap Assembly for Endoscopic Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic procedures face challenges with the high cost and complexity of delivering sterile water, requiring specific fittings for each manufacturer's devices and separate connections for irrigation and secondary gas sources, which increases expenses and risks of cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A versatile water bottle cap assembly with multiple ports and adaptable fittings for various endoscopic devices, allowing for in-line placement between the device and water source, supporting water, air, and secondary gas delivery, while being disposable to minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific fittings are used for water bottles, then connection compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring separate connections for irrigation and gas delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly incorporates multiple ports (first port for water, second port for gas, third port for irrigation) within a single universal interface that accommodates different endoscopic device types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated connections for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility across manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is divided into functionally independent ports that can be selectively connected to different sources (water bottle, gas source, irrigation pump). Each port operates independently, allowing flexible configuration based on procedural needs without requiring complex integrated systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable water bottle connections are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization of the cap itself, thereby reducing cross-contamination risk. The low cost of the disposable cap makes this economically viable, replacing the need for expensive reusable connections that would require meticulous cleaning protocols.
3Reliability
If separate connections are provided for irrigation and gas delivery, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single cap assembly provides multiple dedicated ports for water, gas, and irrigation functions simultaneously. Each port maintains its own dedicated pathway, ensuring functional reliability is preserved while the unified structure reduces connection complexity compared to multiple separate attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional connections (water supply, gas delivery, irrigation) into a single integrated cap assembly structure. This merging reduces the number of separate connections needed while maintaining the reliability of each individual function through dedicated ports.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide water bottle cap assemblies suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device and a water source. For example, the water bottle cap assembly includes a cap comprising a plurality of ports and an engageable member configured to sealingly engage with a water source. The assembly also includes a plurality of tubular members, each tubular member coupled to a respective port so as to be in fluid communication therewith. In addition, the assembly includes an adaptor coupled to an end of one of the tubular members and configured to couple to an endoscopic device, wherein at least one of the tubular members is configured to convey at least one fluid between the water source and the endoscopic device.