Ophthalmic Surgery Foot Pedal With Lockable Yaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foot pedal control units for ophthalmic surgery systems lack customization options for user comfort and feedback, limiting user experience and flexibility in controlling multiple parameters.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal control unit with a removable inlay cover and a locking element that allows users to customize the interface and temporarily restrict pivotal yaw movement, enhancing user experience and functionality by enabling single or dual pivoting functionality based on user preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed treadle design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user comfort and interface customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The treadle is divided into a base structure and a removable inlay cover. The inlay cover can be detached and replaced with different covers having various surface properties (e.g., textured, smooth, heated), allowing users to customize the interface without modifying the overall treadle structure. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping the base design simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual pivoting functionality is always enabled, then the control flexibility is maximized, but the operation complexity increases for users who only need single parameter control
Solution Approach 1:
The treadle incorporates a locking element that can dynamically change the degree of freedom of the treadle. When locked, the treadle is constrained to pitch movement only (single parameter control). When unlocked, the treadle can perform both pitch and yaw movements (dual parameter control). This dynamic adjustment allows users to simplify operation when needed while maintaining full flexibility when required.
3Loss of information
If the locking element is always visible, then the functionality indication is clear, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element incorporates a visual indicator that changes appearance based on its state. When the locking element is in the locked position, the indicator displays one visual state (e.g., green color or visible marker). When in the unlocked position, it displays a different visual state (e.g., red color or different marker position). This allows clear functionality indication through color or visual changes without requiring a permanently visible mechanical indicator that would compromise aesthetics.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a foot pedal control unit for an ophthalmic surgery system. The unit has a base and a treadle that is configured for pivotal pitch movement and for pivotal yaw movement relative to the base for generating control signals to an ophthalmic surgery system. The unit further comprises an inlay cover that is removably placed on the treadle. Optionally, the unit comprises a locking element that is movable between a lock position wherein the treadle is locked against pivotal yaw movement and a release position wherein the treadle is enabled to perform pivotal yaw movement.