Modular Medical Foot Switch With Quick-Release Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switch systems for medical devices lack flexibility and ease of configuration, requiring frequent cable management and potential for accidental disconnection, which complicates adaptation to different medical devices and environments.
Innovation Solution
A foot actuation system with a communications unit and multiple actuation units that use non-destructive, quick-release mechanical connections, allowing for various configurations and reducing the need for direct connections between actuation units and medical devices, with integrated power and signal transmission, enabling wireless control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foot switch systems use direct cable connections to medical devices, then signal transmission is reliable, but cable management becomes complex and accidental disconnections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the foot switch and medical device. The foot switch transmits control signals wirelessly to the medical device, eliminating the need for direct cable connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission. This resolves the contradiction by providing wireless reliability without cable management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cable connection function from the foot switch system by implementing wireless communication. The cable is completely removed from the signal transmission path, eliminating cable management complexity while maintaining control signal reliability through wireless protocols and error correction mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If foot switch systems are designed for fixed configurations, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different medical devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foot switch system into modular components: a controllable source unit (foot switch), multiple selectable output units (different medical devices), and a control unit that manages switching between them. This segmentation allows the system to be manufactured in standardized modules while providing adaptability through configurable connections and wireless communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the foot switch system can be programmed and reconfigured to work with different medical devices. The control unit allows dynamic switching between different output units and supports customizable signal patterns, enabling the same foot switch hardware to adapt to various medical devices without physical redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If foot switches require frequent reconfiguration for different devices, then versatility is improved, but setup time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-programming capabilities where the control unit can store multiple device configurations and signal patterns in advance. When switching between medical devices, the system retrieves pre-configured parameters rather than requiring manual reconfiguration, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit automatically detects the connected medical device and retrieves appropriate configuration parameters. This automated device recognition and configuration loading eliminates manual setup time while preserving adaptability to different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a foot actuation system for controlling one or more medical devices using a foot. The foot actuation system includes a communications unit and a number of actuation units. Each actuation unit includes a user interface for receiving an actuation information item generated by means of a foot, a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the communications unit, and a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal representing the actuation information item. The communications unit includes a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the actuation units, a signal receiver for receiving the signals representing the actuation information items, and a control signal transmitter for transmitting a control signal to a medical device.