Movable Button Tactile Identifier for Electrosurgical Function Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices often require surgeons to switch between different devices to access various functions, making it difficult to determine the correct function without visual confirmation, and there is a risk of selecting the wrong therapy current, such as cut or coagulation, due to lack of tactile differentiation between buttons.
Innovation Solution
A device with a selector assembly that moves between positions, incorporating circuit boards, switch actuators, and a membrane, providing distinct tactile identifiers for each functional state, allowing the device to change its electrical state and function mechanically, enabling a single button to activate different functions with clear tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are provided for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in determining which button provides which function without visual confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional buttons, each responsible for a specific function (monopolar cut, bipolar coagulation, etc.). This segmentation allows each button to have a dedicated function while the tactile identifier system provides differentiation. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by organizing functions into discrete, identifiable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each button is equipped with a unique tactile identifier (raised pattern,凹陷 pattern, or other distinguishable feature) that provides local differentiation. This local quality enhancement allows surgeons to identify button functions through touch alone, without visual confirmation, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving functional versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single button provides multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of selecting the wrong therapy current
Solution Approach 1:
A single button is designed to provide multiple functions through different tactile identifiers. The button can activate monopolar cut, bipolar coagulation, or other functions depending on which tactile identifier is engaged. This universality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one physical button while maintaining reliability through tactile differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile identifiers provide immediate feedback to the surgeon about which function will be activated. The raised or凹陷 patterns create distinct tactile sensations that confirm the selected function before activation, preventing accidental selection of the wrong therapy current and ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are used to identify functions, then ease of operation is improved, but the device generates harmful factors by requiring visual attention during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators (optical system) are replaced with tactile identifiers (mechanical system). The raised or凹陷 patterns on buttons provide functional identification through touch rather than sight. This substitution eliminates visual distraction during surgery while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile identifier acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the button function. Instead of directly viewing the button label, the surgeon interacts with the tactile pattern, which mediates the identification process through touch. This intermediary approach provides functional information without requiring visual attention, eliminating the harmful effect of visual distraction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide for a device with a membrane and an underlying switch, an underlying switch actuator, or both that has a unique tactile pattern that is felt through the membrane when the membrane is aligned with the switch, switch actuator, or both, corresponding to the electrical state of the device. The membrane, the switch, the switch actuator or a combination thereof can be repositioned from a first position to a second position so that a different tactile feel is present through the membrane corresponding to a second electrical state.