Haptic Feedback Elements in Medical Ablation Handpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices, particularly those using laser light, face challenges in providing feedback to users due to environmental noise, invisible wavelengths, and user vision limitations, making it difficult to determine when laser light is being emitted, especially in non-visible wavelengths or for individuals with reduced vision.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating haptic feedback elements in handpieces and foot pedals that generate vibrational pulses based on user input and selected operating modes, with adjustable vibration magnitude corresponding to laser power settings and procedure countdowns, to provide tactile feedback to users during medical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual feedback (laser light visibility) is used to indicate laser emission, then users can see when laser light is being delivered, but this fails for non-visible wavelengths and users with reduced vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback reliabilityVSAvoidfeedback adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical feedback mechanism (visible laser light) with a mechanical feedback mechanism (haptic vibration). The haptic feedback element generates tactile vibrations that are perceptible through touch, providing reliable feedback regardless of the laser wavelength or user vision capabilities. This substitution resolves the contradiction by making feedback independent of visual perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback element acts as an intermediary between the laser emission and the user's perception. Instead of directly relying on visible light to convey emission status, the system uses vibration as an intermediate signal that correlates with laser delivery. This intermediary approach ensures feedback is accessible to all users regardless of visual limitations or laser wavelength visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If haptic feedback elements are activated continuously, then users receive constant tactile feedback, but this increases device complexity and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic feedback element is activated periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The system provides vibration feedback at specific moments (e.g., when laser emission starts, during emission intervals, or when specific thresholds are reached) rather than maintaining constant vibration. This periodic activation maintains reliable feedback while reducing energy consumption and simplifying control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback system is designed to be dynamic, adjusting its activation state based on operational conditions. The feedback element transitions between active and inactive states according to laser emission status, power settings, and procedural context. This dynamic behavior ensures feedback reliability when needed while avoiding unnecessary activation that would increase complexity and energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If haptic feedback magnitude is proportional to laser power settings, then users can sense power level changes, but this requires precise control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower level detection precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of haptic feedback magnitude (vibration intensity) in proportion to the laser power setting. When the laser power is adjusted, the haptic feedback element相应地 adjusts its vibration strength. This parameter correlation provides users with tactile information about power levels without requiring complex display or indication systems. The proportional relationship is implemented through control logic that maps power settings to appropriate vibration intensities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 users to effectively operate medical devices by providing non-visual feedback, ensuring accurate control and preventing over-treatment through proportional and modulated haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and procedure precision.

Implementation Method 1

a haptic feedback element in the handpiece or foot pedal that generates a vibration pulse in response to user input or selected operating mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12161405B2Medical devices with user and patient feedback

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 AZENA MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

Medical ablation devices with user and patient feedback are disclosed herein. An example system a first haptic feedback element, a handpiece that is configured to deliver therapeutic light, a foot pedal that is configured to receive user input to control the therapeutic light, and a controller including a processor and memory, the processor executing instructions stored in the memory to: determine a selection of an operating mode of a plurality of operating modes, the operating mode having a haptic feedback feature; receive the user input from a user; and cause the first haptic feedback element to generate haptic feedback based on the user input.