Ergonomic Control Assembly for Dual Articulating Medical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex endoscopic procedures often require double-channel endoscopes and articulating tools, but many facilities lack access to double-channel endoscopes, and existing articulating tool designs are not ergonomically controllable with standard endoscopes, making it difficult for a single physician to manage the extra degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a control assembly that includes a console and two grips, allowing a single operator to control two articulating tools using finger movements, featuring deflection, rotation, and longitudinal actuators, enabling precise manipulation of tools within the body without requiring large muscle groups or additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulating tools are used to provide extra degrees of freedom for complex endoscopic procedures, then the capability to perform aggressive interventional and therapeutic procedures is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because most designs are not ergonomically controllable with existing endoscopes and are difficult for a single physician to control
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is segmented into two separate grips, with each grip controlling one articulating tool. This segmentation allows each hand to independently control its respective tool, simplifying the operational complexity and improving ergonomic controllability while maintaining the versatility of dual-articulating tool manipulation for complex endoscopic procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly adds a spatial dimension by extending two grips in opposite directions from the console, creating a balanced ergonomic layout that distributes control across both hands. This dimensional arrangement transforms the control interface to match natural hand positioning, making articulating tools ergonomically controllable without sacrificing procedural capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If double-channel endoscopes are used to enable complex procedures, then the versatility for performing aggressive interventional and therapeutic procedures is improved, but the device complexity increases and accessibility to facilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating tool system is designed to be universally compatible with existing single-channel endoscopes. By providing ergonomic control of two articulating tools through the control assembly, the system enables complex procedures that traditionally required specialized double-channel endoscopes, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing endoscope complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between simple single-channel endoscopes and complex dual-tool manipulation requirements. It translates hand movements into coordinated control of two articulating tools, enabling facilities with standard endoscopes to perform procedures previously requiring specialized equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulating instruments with extra degrees of freedom are used, then the capability for complex tissue manipulation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling multiple degrees of freedom for a single physician
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented and distributed across two separate grips, with each grip dedicated to controlling one articulating tool. This segmentation reduces the cognitive and physical burden on the operator by allowing independent control of each tool's degrees of freedom, making complex manipulation easier while preserving full versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly incorporates dynamic feedback mechanisms that adapt to the operator's hand movements and tool positioning. This dynamic response optimizes the control of multiple degrees of freedom in real-time, reducing operational difficulty while maintaining the full range of motion and manipulation capability required for complex procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device may include a shaft, and a first tool extending from a distal end of the shaft. The medical device also may include a control assembly coupled to the shaft. The control assembly may include a console, a first grip extending proximally from the console, and a second grip extending proximally from the console. The control assembly also may include a first deflection actuator configured to deflect the first tool about a longitudinal axis of the first tool, a first rotation actuator configured to rotate the first tool about the longitudinal axis of the first tool, and a first longitudinal actuator configured to move the first tool along the longitudinal axis of the first tool