Foot Pedal Laser Control for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser systems require users to adjust settings using hand-based control modules, which can be inconvenient and increase the risk of user error and sterilization issues during procedures, as operators often need to manage medical devices with one hand and may not be near the control module.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal assembly with multiple actuators allows for adjusting and activating laser source parameters, including power, energy, frequency, and pulse width, enabling users to control laser energy delivery without taking hands off medical devices, reducing the need for additional personnel and minimizing sterilization risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-based control module is used to adjust laser settings, then the user can control laser parameters, but the user must be within arm's reach of the control module and may need additional personnel or increased procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
A foot pedal assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the user and the laser control system. The foot pedal assembly includes multiple actuators that transmit foot actuation forces to the control system, enabling remote adjustment of laser parameters without requiring the user to physically approach the control module. This mediator allows continuous hands-free operation while maintaining full control over laser settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hand-based mechanical control system with a foot-based control mechanism. By substituting hand operations with foot actuations, the system eliminates the need for users to manually interact with the control module during procedures, thereby reducing procedural time and allowing continuous operation without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If a hand-based control module is used, then laser settings can be adjusted, but sterilization and cleanliness issues arise due to touching components during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal assembly serves as a sterile intermediary that allows parameter adjustment without contaminating the sterile field. By transferring control from hand-based interfaces to foot-based actuators, the system eliminates direct contact between the user's hands and the control module during procedures, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining full operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is extracted from the hand-operated interface and relocated to a foot-operated interface. This separation removes the source of potential contamination (hand contact) from the sterile procedure environment, allowing laser parameter adjustment without compromising sterilization requirements.
3Ease of operation
If hand-based control is used during the procedure, then laser parameters can be modified, but user error increases due to multitasking with device handling
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal assembly acts as a dedicated intermediary for laser control, separating the control function from manual device manipulation. This division allows the user to focus entirely on precise device handling while foot-based actuators manage laser parameter adjustments, eliminating the cognitive load and coordination errors associated with simultaneous hand-based control and device manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional zones: hand-based device manipulation and foot-based laser parameter control. This segmentation assigns different tasks to different body parts, reducing cognitive overload and minimizing the risk of user error by preventing conflicting hand movements and control inputs.
4Ease of operation
If additional personnel are used to manage the control module, then laser control is possible, but procedural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal assembly provides multi-functional control capabilities, allowing a single user to simultaneously manage both device operation and laser parameter adjustment. This universal control mechanism consolidates tasks that would otherwise require multiple personnel, enabling one operator to perform all control functions independently through integrated foot-based actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the primary user independently controls both the medical device and laser parameters without requiring assistance from additional personnel. The foot pedal assembly provides autonomous control capability, allowing the user to manage all aspects of the procedure alone, thereby eliminating the need for extra staff and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure includes a method of controlling a laser source to deliver laser energy through a medical device. The method may include adjusting a laser source parameter including at least one of a laser power, a laser energy, a frequency, and a pulse width of the laser source, wherein the laser source parameters are adjustable through a first action or series of actions on a foot pedal assembly operably coupled to a laser control unit, and activating the laser source, wherein the activation of the laser source includes a second action or series of actions on the foot pedal assembly, and wherein the second series of actions is different from the first action or actions.