Medical Device Holding Apparatus with Simultaneous Operation Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical-device holding apparatuses face challenges in preventing accidental movement of medical devices during surgical operations due to improper operation of joint locks, which can lead to deviations in the field of view and increased operator burden.
Innovation Solution
A medical-device holding apparatus with an operation unit featuring multiple operation members that require simultaneous operation within a predetermined time to allow movement, and a determination unit that prohibits movement when the operation is improper, ensuring the device remains locked in a stable position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of fixing force is given to each brake to prevent arm movement under locked condition, then the reliability of preventing unintended movement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because significant force is required to operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
A brake operation detection unit is introduced as an intermediary to detect brake operation status and transmit this information to the control unit. This mediator allows the system to monitor brake status without requiring the operator to directly apply large forces, enabling automatic control decisions based on detected brake states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical force-based brake control with an integrated detection and control system. The brake operation detection unit and control unit work together to substitute direct mechanical force application with an automated control mechanism that responds to brake operation status, reducing the physical effort required while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If complex finger coordination is required to operate multiple switches simultaneously, then the reliability of preventing erroneous release is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates causing operator distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The brake operation detection unit enables the system to self-monitor brake status automatically. The control unit then uses this detected information to automatically control the brakes, allowing the system to serve itself by detecting and responding to brake operations without requiring complex manual coordination from the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The brake operation detection unit provides feedback about brake status to the control unit, which then adjusts brake control accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to respond automatically to brake operations, maintaining reliability while reducing the cognitive burden on the operator who no longer needs to coordinate multiple switches manually
3Reliability
If the brake is designed to sustain a certain specific level of braking force to prevent movement in malfunction cases, then the reliability under malfunction conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake operation detection unit acts as an intermediary that monitors brake status and transmits this information to the control unit. This mediator enables the system to maintain appropriate braking force levels and respond to malfunction conditions without significantly increasing the complexity of the brake control system itself
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for holding a medical device has an arm unit equipped with, for example, a polyarticular arm, which holds the medical device such as endoscope movably in the space. Additionally to a determination unit and a controller, the holding apparatus has an operation unit equipped with a plurality of operation members with which an operator's operation causes the arm unit to be moved spatially. The determination unit determines whether or not operator's operations at the plurality of operation members corresponds to an improper state deviating from a properly operated state in which at least two predetermined operation members have been operated within a predetermined period of time which is set to measure simultaneity for operations. If it is determined that the operation is in the improper state, the controller prohibits the arm unit from moving. As long as the operation is proper, the arm unit can be moved.