Foot Switch Position Detection for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical systems where diagnostic monitoring and therapeutic treatment equipment are used in combination, operators face challenges in efficiently controlling and selecting the appropriate therapeutic treatment devices using conventional foot switches, particularly in maintaining accurate positioning and operational instructions.
Innovation Solution
A control switch detecting apparatus that includes a receiving unit to receive position signals from an operator, a determining unit to determine the relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator, and an output unit to provide recognizable information, allowing for precise selection and operation of therapeutic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional foot switches are used for controlling therapeutic treatment devices, then the operator can control multiple devices, but the operator cannot accurately determine the relative position between the foot switch and themselves, leading to operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where position detection means continuously monitor the relative position between the operator and foot switch, and notification means provide real-time information to the operator. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate position determination without increasing operational complexity, as the operator receives intuitive notifications (visual or auditory) about foot switch location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical foot switch operation with a system incorporating position detection technology (such as sensors or transponders). This substitution enables precise position measurement while maintaining ease of operation, as the detection system automatically tracks position without requiring additional manual effort from the operator.
2Reliability
If the operator constantly monitors the foot switch position, then accurate control is achieved, but the operator's attention is diverted from the surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The notification means provide continuous feedback about foot switch position to the operator, eliminating the need for the operator to visually monitor the switch location. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining control accuracy through automated position information delivery, allowing the operator to keep visual attention focused on the surgical field while still receiving accurate positioning feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of foot switch position through the position detection means, and the notification means automatically inform the operator without requiring active attention. This self-service approach maintains reliability by continuously tracking position while minimizing the operator's cognitive and visual load, as the system autonomously manages position monitoring and communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple therapeutic treatment devices are used in combination, then comprehensive treatment capability is achieved, but the complexity of selecting and controlling the appropriate device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual device selection and control with an automated system that detects foot switch position and identifies the corresponding therapeutic device. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining versatility in treating multiple devices while reducing control complexity, as the system automatically matches foot switch presses to the appropriate device based on spatial position rather than requiring manual selection through complex interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A control switch detecting apparatus aims at detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. When a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator, an obtaining unit obtains relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the transmitted position signal.