Adjustable Treadle Assembly for Foot Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foot controllers with fixed treadle sizes often fail to accommodate operators with smaller feet, leading to suboptimal foot placement and difficulty in controlling variable inputs in surgical systems.

Innovation Solution

A foot controller with an adjustable treadle assembly that includes a multi-part treadle plate and an adjustable treadle surface member, allowing for angular and lateral adjustments via a latching assembly, to accommodate varying foot sizes and improve operator comfort and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed size treadle is used, then the device structure is simple, but operators with smaller feet cannot reach or properly position their feet on the treadle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different foot sizesVSAvoidtreadle assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treadle assembly is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different foot sizes. The surface member can be repositioned along the treadle plate to accommodate various foot positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The treadle is divided into separate components: a base treadle plate and an adjustable surface member. This segmentation allows the surface member to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling customization for different foot sizes while keeping the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a single heel cup position is used, then the device structure is simple, but foot placement relative to buttons is non-optimal for some users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot placement optimizationVSAvoidheel cup positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heel cup position is made adjustable rather than fixed. The surface member can be repositioned to provide optimal heel cup alignment for different foot sizes and preferences, allowing users to customize their foot placement for better button accessibility and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the treadle surface is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but operators cannot adjust to their preferred foot position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot position adjustmentVSAvoidtreadle assembly fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The treadle is segmented into a fixed base plate and an adjustable surface member. This allows the base plate to be manufactured simply while the surface member can be positioned and secured at various locations, combining manufacturing simplicity with adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple predetermined adjustment positions are built into the treadle assembly during manufacturing, allowing operators to select their preferred foot position without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. The positions are pre-configured to accommodate various foot sizes and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3837705B1Foot controller with adjustable treadle

Publication Date: 2023.01.11 ALCON INC

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AI summary

The disclosed embodiments of the present technology relate to a foot controller with an adjustable treadle assembly including an adjustable treadle surface member slidably coupled to a fixed treadle plate and a latch assembly to adjust the adjustable treadle surface member to fixed positions relative to the treadle plate.