Medical Instrument Input Unit for Continuous Pivoting and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instrument input units limit the handling of tools due to restricted natural user movement, leading to mechanical and structural limitations, and the control of endless rotation is not reproducible in a pivoting and/or rotation-true manner, which prevents two-hand operation and continuous control.
Innovation Solution
An input unit with first and second input means allows for continuous, pivoting and/or rotation-true conversion of ergonomic user inputs, enabling limited pivoting and endless rotation of tools, using a control handle with a first rotary element and a switching mechanism to switch between handling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the input unit uses first input means to continuously convert ergonomic user inputs in a pivoting and rotation-true manner, then precise control of tool positioning and orientation is improved, but the rotation range is limited by the natural freedom of movement of the operator's hand and arm
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two handling modes: first handling mode for precise pivoting and limited rotation with continuous control, and second handling mode for expanded rotation range with non-absolute conversion. This allows the input unit to adapt its conversion characteristics based on the operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between precision control and rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion parameter from absolute (pivoting and rotation-true) to non-absolute when expanded rotation is required. This parameter change allows the tool to rotate beyond the limits of natural hand movement while maintaining continuous control through the control unit, thus expanding the rotation range without sacrificing control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is enabled to rotate endlessly about its extension axis independently of pivoting, then the field of application is significantly expanded, but the control can no longer be reproduced in a pivoting and rotation-true manner
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conversion mode based on the desired rotation range. For endless rotation, it switches to non-absolute conversion where the rotational position is not directly tied to the input means position, allowing expanded field of application while maintaining continuous control through the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the input means and the tool, enabling non-absolute conversion for endless rotation. This intermediary allows the decoupling of input means position from tool rotational position, facilitating expanded field of application while maintaining continuous control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator grasps the first input means for resetting or returning, then the restricted freedom of movement is overcome, but there is a brief interruption and decoupling between the input unit and the tool resulting in momentary loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling that requires physical grasping and resetting with an electronic control system. The control unit continuously receives signals from the input means and maintains uninterrupted control of the tool, eliminating the need for manual resetting and preventing momentary loss of control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous control by maintaining an uninterrupted electronic connection between the input means and the tool through the control unit. This eliminates the interruptions that occur with mechanical resetting, ensuring continuous useful action and maintaining reliability of control throughout the operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two-hand operation is ruled out due to non-reproducible control, then the control of endless rotation is achieved, but two-hand operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The input unit is designed with multi-functionality to support both one-hand operation for endless rotation and two-hand operation for precise positioning. The control unit accommodates different operating modes and tools, allowing the system to be universally operated with either one or two hands depending on the specific task requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
One exemplary embodiment relates to an input unit (10) for operating a medical instrument (12) with a hollow shaft (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) for receiving guide wires (20), with a tool (16) arranged on the distal side of the shaft (14), extending along an extension axis (E) and a control unit (18) arranged proximally on the shaft (14) for handling the tool (16) by means of the guide wires (20), comprising first input means (22) for continuous, pivoting and rotation-true, preferably uninterrupted and/or absolute, conversion of an ergonomically limited user input, in particular a natural user movement of movable first operating means, into an adjustment movement of the tool (16) in a first handling mode, in order to pivot the tool (16) by means of the control unit (18) relative to the longitudinal axis (L) in a limited way and/or to rotate about the extension axis (E) in a limited way.