Handpiece Finger Switch Actuation via Deformable Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for actuating medical handtools, such as dental lasers, often hinder efficient repositioning and operation due to finger switches that prevent grip changes or require additional hardware like foot pedals, which are not ideal for conserving space in clinical environments.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece design featuring a circumferential geometry with an outer sleeve and inner sleeve, where external force applied to ribs on the outer sleeve deforms to contact conductive pads on the inner sleeve, allowing for actuation of medical devices like lasers without the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a finger switch is disposed on the side of the medical device, then the device can be actuated, but the user cannot readily change grip or rotate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is segmented into an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, with the actuation mechanism distributed along the outer sleeve rather than concentrated at a single side location. This segmentation allows the user to actuate the device at multiple positions along the grip surface, enabling grip changes while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger switch is transformed from a single-point side switch into a distributed actuation mechanism along the outer sleeve's surface. By extending the actuation interface from one location to multiple locations along the sleeve, the design enables both side actuation and top actuation, providing multi-dimensional access for different grip positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foot switch is used for remote actuation, then grip changes are enabled, but additional hardware and floor/counter space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation function is merged directly into the handpiece body itself, eliminating the need for separate foot switch hardware. The outer sleeve and inner sleeve together form an integrated actuation mechanism that provides both side actuation and top actuation capabilities within the existing handpiece structure, conserving space while enabling grip changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing, tactile feedback through ribs, and distributed actuation surfaces for both side actuation and top actuation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate foot switch hardware while maintaining adaptability for different grip positions.
3Ease of operation
If a finger switch is disposed on the side of the medical device, then the device can be actuated, but the user cannot readily rotate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented along the outer sleeve with multiple actuation zones, allowing the user to actuate the device whether gripping from the side or from the top. This segmentation enables rotation capability while maintaining actuation functionality for different hand positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation interface is extended from a single side location to multiple locations including the top surface of the outer sleeve. This dimensional extension allows the device to be actuated in multiple orientations, enabling rotation while maintaining ease of operation for different grip positions.
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 efficient and flexible operation of medical instruments by allowing actuation without changing grip, maintaining usability and conserving space, while the removable outer sleeve facilitates sterilization and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The inner sleeve may comprise an elastic membrane having a plurality of internal pads painted with conductive ink, the internal pads normally not making contact with the internal circuit. The internal pads may be correspondent with the ribs, and the internal pads may be disposed to make contact with the internal circuit when the external force is applied to at least one of the ribs.
Data Source
AI summary
A handpiece for a medical instrumentation device is formed with manually deformable ribs on an outer sleeve. The ribs align with conductive surfaces inside the handpiece that make contact with an internal flexible electronic circuit to activate the device when force is applied to the ribs. Removing the force deactivates the device.