Hall-Effect Surgical Controller for Ergonomic Robotic Tool Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic medical systems face challenges in providing ergonomic and efficient control of surgical tools during minimally invasive procedures, requiring improved input devices for precise manipulation and reduced physician strain.
Innovation Solution
The development of an input device with radially symmetric links and Hall effect sensors for controlling robotic surgical tools, allowing for enhanced control and reduced physical effort by the physician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control mechanisms are used for robotic surgical tools, then the physician can control the surgical tool, but the physician experiences increased physical strain and reduced ergonomic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with a Hall effect sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects the position and movement of the control element (such as a joystick or handle) through magnetic field changes rather than direct mechanical linkage, reducing the physical force required by the physician to operate the controls while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall effect sensor acts as an intermediary between the physician's manual input and the robotic surgical tool control system. The sensor converts physical displacement into electrical signals that control the robotic tool, allowing the physician to operate with minimal physical strain while the system accurately translates intent into precise surgical movements.
2Ease of operation
If complex control mechanisms are implemented to reduce physician strain, then ergonomic positioning improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and force transmission mechanisms with a compact Hall effect sensor system. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical components while maintaining or improving control precision, as the sensor can detect position with high accuracy without requiring elaborate mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from mechanical position (requiring physical contact and linkage) to magnetic field position (detected by Hall effect sensor). This parameter change allows for a simpler device structure while achieving equivalent or superior control precision, as magnetic field detection requires no physical connection between the control element and sensor.
3Measurement precision
If manual manipulation of surgical tools is used, then the physician has direct control, but measurement precision of tool position and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and mechanical position indicators with electronic Hall effect sensor detection. The sensor provides precise digital measurement of the control element's position and movement, significantly improving measurement precision compared to manual methods while adding only a single sensor component rather than complex mechanical measurement 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
The input device enables precise control of surgical tools with reduced physician strain and improved ergonomic positioning, facilitating easier and more accurate manipulation during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The central longitudinal member can include a hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an input device for controlling operation of a surgical tool. The input device includes a first set of one or more input objects for receiving an input of a first type associated with the operation of the surgical tool, and a second set of one or more input objects for receiving an input of a second type associated with the operation of the surgical tool. The input device also includes a Hall effect sensor for detecting a magnetic field based on the first set of one or more magnets and the second set of one or more magnets. A medical system including the input device and a method of using the input device for operating a surgical tool are also disclosed.