Ergonomic Haptic Input Gripper with Sterile Adapter Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic input systems for controlling objects, especially in medical and industrial applications, face challenges with ergonomic design, safe operation, and ease of cleaning, particularly when performing gripping movements, due to complex structures and permanent user interface elements that can lead to slipping and unfavorable ergonomic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A gripper input module comprising a grip element and an adapter element, where the grip element has a receptacle for receiving two fingers, operatively connected to sensors for detecting movement information, allowing for ergonomic actuation and safe control, with the adapter element providing a sterile interface and the grip element being easily sterilizable or disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a complex system of linkages and multiple thimbles is used to detect gripping movements of multiple fingers, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into separate modules: each finger receives a thimble, and each thimble is connected to its own sensor means. This segmentation allows independent detection of each finger's movement without requiring a complex centralized linkage system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Thimbles serve as intermediary elements between the user's fingers and the sensor means. Each thimble converts the complex gripping movement into simple translational movements that can be detected by the sensor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent user interface elements are integrated into the handle, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into a permanent adapter element and a removable grip element. The grip element, which contains the user interface elements and is in direct contact with the user's hand, can be easily removed for cleaning and sterilization. This segmentation maintains the structural stability of the permanent adapter while improving the ease of cleaning the removable grip element.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip element is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be quickly sterilized or discarded. This allows the critical user interface elements to be easily cleaned and sterilized without affecting the permanent structural components, thereby improving ease of cleaning while maintaining structural stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grip element is designed to be easily removable and sterilizable, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the grip element and adapter element is designed to be dynamically changeable - securely connected during operation to ensure reliability, but easily separable for cleaning and sterilization. The connecting elements provide a reliable mechanical connection that maintains stability during use while allowing simple detachment when cleaning is required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The gripping element has a receiver (68) for receiving two fingers of a user, where the receiver stands in operative connection with a sensor unit in a section. A connecting element is provided for arranging the gripping element to an adapter element (24). The receiver is configured, so that a movement information of a movement of a finger of the user is detected in the receiver through the sensor unit. The movement information is transferred for controlling the object. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) an adapter element with an interface; and (2) a medical instrument system with a medical instrument.