Multidirectional Foot Controller for Endoscope Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot controllers for endoscope positioning in minimally invasive surgery lack operational stability and accuracy due to button confusion and foot slippage, particularly when buttons are located near the edges of the controller.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional foot controller design featuring a base with position detecting switches and platforms that allow for forward-backward and left-right movement of an endoscope, utilizing pedals for control and incorporating rollers and torsion springs for stability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buttons are provided on the same panel for controlling endoscope movement, then the device can control multiple directions, but users may step on wrong buttons leading to operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into multiple independent platforms (first platform, second platform, third platform) that can move relative to each other. Each platform corresponds to specific control directions, physically separating different control functions into distinct spatial zones rather than using multiple buttons on the same panel.
2Area of stationary object
If buttons are located near edges of the controller base for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but user's foot may slip off causing failed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transitions from a two-dimensional button layout on a flat panel to a three-dimensional structure with multiple stacked platforms that can move in different directions. This vertical stacking and multidirectional movement provides larger effective foot contact area while maintaining compact base footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are used for multidirectional control, then the device can activate different functions, but the complexity of the control panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each movable platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component and a control interface. The platforms' movement in different directions (forward-backward, left-right, rotation) provides multidirectional control without requiring separate buttons for each function, simplifying the overall control structure.
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
Enhances operational stability and accuracy by enabling precise multidirectional control of the endoscope, improving working efficiency and reducing the likelihood of user error during minimally invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The two rollers are arranged at two ends of the third platform... Each of the roller tracks abuts against one said roller. Thereby, the first platform can slide forward or backward on the base in virtue of the rollers.
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring is provided between the second platform and the first platform, so that the second platform after intended rotation can be returned to its initial position by the torsion spring.
Implementation Method 3
The first and second pivot portions are pivotally connected through a bearing, so that the second platform can rotate leftward or rightward with respect to the first platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional foot controller includes a base, a first platform, a second platform, and two pedals successively stacked and assembled together. The multidirectional foot controller is activated by having the two pedals depressed simultaneously, and then controls an externally connected endoscope to move forward or backward by a first platform, or controls the endoscope to move leftward or rightward by a second platform. By having only one of the pedals depressed, the multidirectional foot controller can change the field of view of the endoscope.