Electronic Shroud Foot Controller for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser emission control foot controllers are bulky, occupy additional space, and increase the risk of unintentional activation due to the need for secondary controllers or complex mechanical parts, posing challenges in ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An integrated foot controller with an electronic shroud that requires a defined passcode sequence for laser emission, utilizing proximity sensors to ensure intentional activation and minimize accidental use, thereby reducing the risk of unintentional laser emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical shroud enclosure is provided over the laser emission control foot controller, then unintentional activation is prevented, but the device occupies additional space and requires relocation of the foot from the primary foot controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser emission control foot controller with the primary multi-function foot controller into a single integrated device. The foot controller includes both the primary control functions and the laser emission control switch, eliminating the need for separate stand-alone controllers or additional physical enclosures. This merging approach maintains safety functionality while reducing space occupation and eliminating the need for foot relocation between devices.
2Reliability
If a moveable cover is incorporated into the heel-region of the foot controller, then laser emission control is enabled, but the user must perform the unusual action of lifting the cover with the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moveable cover that can be dynamically opened or closed based on the operational state of the laser emission control function. The cover is positioned to be accessible to the user's foot and can be moved to expose the laser emission control switch when needed. This dynamic design allows intuitive operation where the cover movement itself becomes part of the activation sequence, improving ease of operation compared to static enclosures while maintaining safety through the required deliberate action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed physical shroud is incorporated onto the primary foot controller, then laser emission control is integrated, but the foot controller becomes very bulky and problematic for stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser emission control switch and its protective cover within the existing structure of the primary foot controller. The laser emission control switch is positioned within the foot controller body, and the moveable cover is nested within the same space, allowing the laser control functionality to be contained within the footprint of the primary controller without adding significant volume. This nesting approach enables integration while maintaining a compact design suitable for stowage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for preventing unintentional laser emission via an integrated foot controller having an electronic shroud that is implemented using electronics and software. The risk of unintentional laser emission is reduced by permitting laser emission via the pedal of the foot controller only at defined stages of surgical procedures, and by requiring that the user initiate control of laser emission by actuating existing switches on the foot controller in a specified sequence, such as a passcode unique to a particular user. Additionally, disclosed embodiments include one more proximity sensors useful to detect data indicative of the presence of the user's foot on the foot controller. Such data may be useful in determining whether the system should remain in a ready state for laser emission or whether the system should be taken out of ready state to reduce the risk of unintentional laser emission when the user's foot is not present.