Medical Input Unit for Continuous Tool Pivoting and Endless Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical input units for controlling medical instruments with endless rotation capabilities lose operator control due to mechanical limitations and restricted user movement, leading to interruptions and loss of precision during minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

An input unit with dual control mechanisms: first input means for continuous, ergonomic pivoting and rotation, and second input means for enabling endless rotation without interrupting the operator's control, using a switching mechanism that activates when a torque threshold is reached, allowing seamless transition between handling modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tool is enabled to rotate endlessly about its extension axis, then the field of application is significantly expanded, but the natural pivoting and rotation-true reproduction of user movement is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of applicationVSAvoidpivoting and rotation-true reproduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent input means: first input means for pivoting movements and second input means for rotational movements. This segmentation allows each input means to be optimized for its specific function, enabling endless rotation while maintaining precise pivoting control through the first input means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first input means is designed to serve dual purposes: it controls pivoting movements in all spatial directions and can also control rotational movements when the tool is in the basic position. This multi-functionality allows a single ergonomic interface to handle both limited and endless rotation modes without requiring complete separation of controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the operator grasps the first input means for continuous control, then uninterrupted control is maintained, but resetting or returning the first input means requires brief interruption and decoupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuninterrupted controlVSAvoidmomentary loss of control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second input means enables continuous control of rotational movements without requiring the operator to release or reset the first input means. The control action can continue uninterrupted as the second input means independently handles rotational positioning, eliminating the need for decoupling and resetting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The second input means acts as an intermediary control element that mediates rotational adjustments without interfering with the continuous operation of the first input means. This intermediary mechanism allows rotational resetting to occur independently, preventing interruption of the primary control stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If two tools are controlled using each hand of the operator, then both hands are utilized, but control using two-hand operation is ruled out due to the second input means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-hand operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both input means are integrated into a single control unit that can be operated with one hand. The first and second input means are positioned and designed to allow simultaneous or sequential operation by a single hand, merging the functionality of what would traditionally require two hands into a unified ergonomic interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system adds a new dimension of control by introducing rotational adjustment as an independent degree of freedom. This dimensional addition allows complex tool positioning to be achieved through combined pivoting and rotational movements from a single hand-operated interface, rather than requiring separate hand controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12185927B2Input unit for a medical instrument and medical system with an input unit

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

An 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.