Tensioning Device and Endoscope Assembled Therewith

An endoscope comprising:

• a housing defining an interior compartment, the housing including a first opening closed by a cover and a second opening configured to accommodate a valve, the valve removably inserted into the second opening;
• the valve including a mounting portion having at least one groove, the at least one groove disposed within the interior compartment when the valve is seated within the second opening;
• and
• a tensioning device configured to engage the at least one groove of the mounting portion, the tensioning device including a resilient body having a base and at least one prong extending generally orthogonal to the base, the base comprising a planar member, the at least one prong having a compressive portion extending along a length of the at least one prong, wherein the tensioning device engages the at least one groove of the mounting portion and the compressive portion engages an inner surface of the housing and retain the valve within the second opening under tension.

A method of assembling an endoscope, the method comprising:

• providing a housing defining an interior compartment, the housing including a first opening and a second opening;
• providing a cover configured to close the first opening;
• providing a valve configured to be inserted into the second opening, the valve including a mounting portion having at least one groove, the at least one groove disposed within the interior compartment when the valve is seated within the second opening;
• providing a tensioning device configured to engage the at least one groove of the mounting portion, the tensioning device including a resilient body having a base and at least one prong extending generally orthogonal to the base, the base comprising a planar member, the at least one prong having a compressive portion extending along a length of the at least one prong;
• inserting the valve into the second opening so as to position the at least one groove within the interior compartment of the housing;
• inserting the tensioning device into the interior compartment of the housing, wherein the at least one prong is slid into the at least one groove, wherein the compressive portion is compressed against an inner surface of the housing so as to generate a responsive force so as to fix the valve to the housing under a tension;
• and
• placing the cover onto the first opening so as to close the housing.