Portable Medical Insertion Simulator with Haptic Feedback Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical simulation systems for minimally invasive procedures are complex, cumbersome, expensive, and lack realistic haptic feedback, making them difficult to transport and use outside training centers.
Innovation Solution
A portable simulation apparatus that includes a casing with a longitudinal guide and carriage system for simulating the insertion of an inner elongated instrument through an outer instrument, featuring a pulley and feedback force actuator to provide adjustable resistive forces based on sensed positions and resistance characteristics, along with a control unit and processing unit for realistic visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art simulation systems are used to provide haptic feedback for medical training, then training functionality is provided, but the systems become complex, cumbersome, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a carriage assembly that slides along a guide rail to simulate instrument insertion, a pulley mechanism for tether retrieval with realistic tension, and a feedback actuator for haptic resistance. Each module independently contributes to the overall simulation fidelity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback actuator serves as an intermediary element between the carriage movement and the haptic feedback generation. This intermediary component translates carriage position and velocity into realistic resistive forces, providing authentic haptic sensation without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art simulation systems are used to provide comprehensive training, then training capability is achieved, but the systems are not easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation apparatus is designed with a compact nested structure where the carriage assembly fits within a housing, and the entire unit can be integrated into conventional carry-on luggage. The guide rail, carriage, pulley, and actuator are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that maintains full training functionality while enabling portability.
3Device complexity
If a portable simulation apparatus is designed to fit in carry-on luggage, then portability is improved, but the simulation realism and feedback quality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback actuator parameters (force magnitude, resistance characteristics) are dynamically adjusted based on carriage position and movement characteristics to maintain realistic haptic feedback within the compact apparatus. The pulley mechanism parameters are optimized to provide authentic tether retrieval tension despite the reduced scale of the portable system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a compact, portable solution for training medical professionals with improved realistic feedback, enabling simulation of procedures like transcatheter pacemaker implantation, enhancing training effectiveness while being transportable in conventional luggage.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback force actuator mounted on the carriage and operatively connected to the casing for applying an adjustable resistive force to a translation of the carriage on the longitudinal guide according to the sensed longitudinal position of the carriage and resistance characteristics of the structure
Implementation Method 2
the pulley being rotatably mounted on the carriage for rotating according to a longitudinal translation of the tether into the outer elongated instrument
Implementation Method 3
the carriage being slidably mounted onto the longitudinal guide for translation thereon according to a translation of the outer elongated instrument through the aperture of the casing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for simulating insertion of an inner elongated instrument attached to a tether into a structure through an outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a carriage for mounting the outer elongated instrument, for translation according to a translation of the outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a pulley for anchoring a tether and rotating according to a longitudinal translation of the tether into the outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a feedback force actuator for applying an adjustable resistive force to a translation of the carriage according to the sensed longitudinal position of the carriage and resistance characteristics of the structure, and for further applying an adjustable resistive force to a rotation of the pulley according to the sensed angular position of the pulley and the resistance characteristics. The present disclosure also relates to a medical insertion simulator comprising such an apparatus.