Medical Device Control Unit with Curved Hand Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device control units lack an intuitive and efficient interface that allows surgeons to easily and precisely maneuver and control attached surgical tools, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a housing that accommodates a user's hand, featuring a first interface engageable by the purlicue of the hand for controlling articulation of a medical instrument, and a second interface engageable by fingers for operating functions such as opening and closing a grasper, all powered by a detachable drive unit with motors and a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control interfaces are used for medical devices, then the device can be operated, but the surgeon cannot easily and intuitively maneuver and control the surgical tool
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into multiple distinct components: a first interface (purlicue interface) for controlling articulation and a second interface (finger interface) for controlling grasper functions. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for specific control tasks, improving ease of operation while distributing complexity across modular elements
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit housing acts as an intermediary device that translates natural hand movements at the interfaces into precise control commands for the surgical tool. The housing with its curved top surface and restraint element mediates between the surgeon's hand and the medical instrument, converting intuitive hand positioning into controlled articulation and function operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single interface, then control capability is comprehensive, but the interface becomes less intuitive and increases learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented into two distinct interfaces: the first interface (purlicue interface) handles articulation control while the second interface (finger interface) handles grasper functions. This functional segmentation maintains comprehensive control capability while improving intuitiveness by dedicating specific interface elements to specific tasks
Solution Approach 2:
Each interface region is designed with local quality optimized for its specific function. The purlicue interface is positioned and shaped for natural thumb engagement for articulation control, while the finger interface is configured for finger engagement for grasper control. This localized optimization makes each control region intuitive for its intended purpose
3Measurement precision
If the control unit requires two hands for operation, then precise control is achieved, but surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (articulation control and grasper control) are merged into a single hand-operated interface system. The first and second interfaces are both engaged by the same hand, allowing precise control of multiple functions simultaneously while maintaining surgical efficiency through single-hand operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal interface that can control multiple functions of the medical instrument using a single hand. The housing and interfaces are configured to accommodate various control operations (articulation, grasper opening/closing, grasper rotation) through different engagement points on the same hand, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple hands
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for a medical instrument is provided. The control unit includes a housing having a curved top surface capable of accommodating a hand of the user, the housing being attachable to the medical instrument. The control unit further includes a first interface engageable by a purlicue of the hand for controlling a first function of the medical instrument and a second interface engageable by one or more fingers of the hand for operating at least a second function of the medical instrument.