3D Surgical Table Handset for Tactile Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handsets for controlling surgical operating tables are cumbersome and difficult to use, with small buttons that lack visual, audible, or touch feedback, making it hard for operators to select desired movements and adjust speeds, and there is a risk of accidental button presses due to the complexity and variability in button layouts.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional physical representation of a surgical operating table with sensors and a control system that generates output signals for movement commands, providing visual feedback through LEDs and allowing for ergonomic control of the table's movements via touch or orientation, including a trigger mechanism for speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many push buttons with icons and text are provided to control various movements, then the control functions are comprehensive, but the handset becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a three-dimensional physical model of the surgical table that replicates the actual table structure. This model includes sections corresponding to the head section, torso sections, and leg sections of the actual table, allowing operators to control movements by interacting with the model itself rather than searching through numerous buttons with icons and text.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical model is divided into multiple sections that correspond to the segments of the surgical table (head section, torso sections, leg sections). Each section can be independently manipulated, and sensors detect forces or movements applied to each section to generate appropriate control signals, providing comprehensive control without requiring a single complex interface.
2Area of stationary object
If small push buttons are used to fit all control functions, then the handset size is reduced, but the buttons become difficult to locate and press
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of small buttons to a three-dimensional physical model. This adds spatial depth and tactile dimension to the interface, allowing operators to locate and control functions through natural hand movements and touch on a model that fits within a compact handheld form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the physical model have different tactile properties and sensor arrangements optimized for their specific control functions. The model surface includes features that provide local feedback and guidance, making it easy to locate and manipulate specific sections without requiring visual search or precise button positioning.
3Device complexity
If push buttons are provided without feedback mechanisms, then the handset is simple, but the user receives no visual, audible or touch feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide visual, audible, and tactile information to the operator. Visual feedback is provided through indicators that show which section is selected or being controlled. Audible feedback confirms button presses or section selections. Tactile feedback through the physical model itself provides natural touch feedback when sections are manipulated, ensuring operators receive comprehensive feedback without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Device complexity
If the speed of motion is difficult to control with push buttons, then the control system is simple, but the operator cannot adjust movement speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control where the movement speed of surgical table sections can be adjusted during operation. The control system responds to the rate and force of manipulation of the physical model sections, allowing operators to control speed naturally through their interaction with the model rather than requiring separate speed adjustment buttons or complex controls.
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 ergonomic design simplifies the user interface, reduces the risk of accidental movements, and allows for precise control of the surgical operating table's movements with clear visual feedback, enhancing safety and efficiency in medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
a respective sensor arranged to sense a force or movement applied to a surface of the respective section by a touch applied to the surface
Implementation Method 2
a control system within the handset which is connected to the sensor, the control system being arranged to generate an output control signal for transmission to the surgical operating table to be controlled in response to an input command of an applied force or applied movement sensed by the respective sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A handset for controlling a surgical operating table, the handset having a three-dimensional physical representation of a tabletop of a surgical operating table, the physical representation of the tabletop comprising a back section, a seat section and one or more leg sections, wherein at least one of the sections includes a respective sensor arranged to sense a force or movement applied to a surface of the respective section by a touch applied to the surface, and a control system within the handset which is connected to the sensor, the control system being arranged to generate an output control signal for transmission to the surgical operating table to be controlled in response to an input command of an applied force or applied movement sensed by the respective sensor. Methods of controlling a tabletop of a surgical operating table using the handset are also disclosed.