Surgical Laser Remote Control Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical laser systems used in ophthalmic surgeries are often expensive and complex, making them impractical for use in resource-constrained settings due to their extensive functionality, which is not always needed by all users.
Innovation Solution
A laser surgical system with a basic set of functionality that can be remotely controlled by an advanced unit to implement a broader set of functionalities, allowing for cost-effective upgrades and reduced complexity, enabling the system to be used in various procedures where a full-featured unit would be prohibitive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an all-in-one surgical laser system with extensive functionality is used, then the system can support multiple surgical procedures and procedures types, but the cost and complexity of the system becomes prohibitive for resource-constrained settings
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical laser system is divided into two separate units: a basic surgical laser unit with essential functionality and an advanced control unit with additional capabilities. This segmentation allows the basic unit to be simple and affordable while the advanced unit provides enhanced functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The advanced control unit is designed to control both the basic surgical laser unit and a advanced surgical laser unit, providing universal control capability. This allows a single advanced control unit to serve multiple purposes and work with different laser units, enabling resource-constrained settings to access advanced functionality without requiring a complete all-in-one system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an all-in-one surgical laser system with extensive functionality is used, then the system can implement multiple surgical procedures, but the cost becomes prohibitive for resource-constrained settings
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into basic and advanced control units, the patent enables differential pricing and manufacturing strategies. The basic unit can be manufactured and priced for resource-constrained settings, while the advanced unit can be manufactured with additional features for well-resourced settings, resolving the cost contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The advanced control unit can replicate the control functionality needed for both basic and advanced laser units, allowing a single unit to serve multiple purposes. This copying approach avoids the need to manufacture separate control systems for different laser types, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If a basic surgical laser unit is used in resource-constrained settings, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to implement advanced surgical procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The advanced control unit serves as an intermediary that can be added to the basic surgical laser unit to provide advanced functionality. This intermediary approach allows the basic unit to remain simple and affordable while enabling access to advanced procedures when the control unit is added, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an all-in-one surgical laser system is used, then comprehensive functionality is available, but the learning curve for operation becomes steeper
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control functionality into basic and advanced units, the patent creates a graduated learning curve. Users in resource-constrained settings can start with the simple basic unit, mastering essential procedures before potentially adding the advanced control unit for more complex procedures, thereby reducing the initial learning burden while maintaining long-term versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a laser surgical system with a basic set of functionality which is remotely controllable to implement an advanced set of functionality. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a basic laser surgical system may be coupled to an advanced control unit such that the basic laser surgical system may be controllable by the advanced control unit to implement a broader set of functionality. By moving less frequently used functionality to an advanced unit, the basic unit may be streamlined with regards to both cost and size, and the learning curve required to utilize the basic unit may be reduced relative to a more feature-ladened unit, allowing the basic unit to be utilized in myriad situations or procedures where an “all-in-one” unit would be less than desirable.