Footswitch Assembly with Position Memory and Adjustable Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Footswitch assemblies used in medical equipment lack adaptability to different foot sizes and user preferences, requiring users to adjust to new 'touch and feel' during critical procedures, which can be detrimental, especially in delicate surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A footswitch assembly with three servo motors that adjust the width, length, and force required to move the treadle pedal, allowing customization to fit individual foot sizes and preferred control touch, using position memory to set optimal positions for side switches, heel cup, and spring bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If footswitch assemblies use a fixed design for all users, then manufacturing and inventory costs are reduced, but adaptability to different foot sizes and user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The footswitch assembly incorporates adjustable components including side wings that can move laterally, a heel cup that can move longitudinally, and a spring mechanism that can be repositioned. These dynamic elements allow the footswitch to adapt its geometry and mechanical properties to match different foot sizes and user preferences, transforming a static device into a customizable one without requiring multiple fixed designs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the footswitch assembly including the lateral position of side wings, the longitudinal position of the heel cup, and the position/stiffness of the spring mechanism. These parameter adjustments enable the same footswitch hardware to accommodate various foot sizes and provide different control characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple fixed designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If footswitch assemblies are customized for each user, then adaptability and user comfort are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The footswitch assembly is designed as a universal platform with multiple adjustable components that can serve different users with different foot sizes and preferences. The side wings, heel cup, and spring mechanism can be repositioned to create customized configurations, allowing a single manufactured unit to function as multiple customized footswitches, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving customization
3Adaptability or versatility
If users must adjust to new footswitch control characteristics, then equipment compatibility is improved, but procedural safety and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The footswitch assembly allows users to perform preliminary adjustments to the side wings, heel cup, and spring mechanism before beginning a surgical procedure. This preliminary customization enables users to establish their preferred control characteristics in advance, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency during the procedure while still maintaining compatibility with different equipment systems
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
Enables seamless operation by automatically accommodating various foot sizes and user preferences, reducing the learning curve and improving procedural efficiency and safety during surgeries by providing a customized fit and feel.
Implementation Method 1
Included within the base housing portion of the footswitch assembly with position memory of the present invention are three servo motors
Data Source
AI summary
A footswitch assembly with a position memory includes adjustable mounting mechanisms. A first adjustable mounting mechanism moves the heel cup portion on the treadle pedal assembly to a predetermined position to accommodate the length of a user's foot. A second adjustable mounting mechanism moves the side wing assembly to predetermined position to accommodate the width of a user's foot. A third adjustable mounting mechanism adjusts the force needed to move the treadle pedal assembly.