Multifunction Foot Pedal Virtual Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot pedal controls for surgical apparatuses are complicated by electro-mechanical switches, which increase cost, potential for failure, and ergonomic issues, and lack a unified interface for programming settings, requiring manual intervention during surgery to change settings.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal design using pitch and yaw movements of the treadle to act as virtual switches, eliminating physical switches and providing a graphical interface for real-time feedback and programming, allowing intuitive control of surgical functions and immediate access to pre-programmed settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-mechanical switches are used in the foot pedal, then control functions can be initiated, but the design becomes complicated, cost increases, and potential for failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical switches with a force-sensitive resistor that detects pressure applied to the foot pedal. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts, reducing complexity and potential failure points while maintaining the ability to initiate control functions. The force-sensitive resistor converts mechanical pressure directly into electrical signals, providing a more reliable and simpler design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electro-mechanical switch components from the foot pedal design. By removing these complex mechanical elements and replacing them with a pressure-sensitive resistive element, the design complexity is reduced while the essential control function is preserved through alternative means.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical switches are placed on the foot pedal, then various control functions can be accessed, but ergonomics deteriorate and the placement cannot be optimized for individual users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single foot pedal surface that can detect multiple pressure zones and patterns, allowing one element to perform multiple control functions. The system can distinguish between different pressure locations, force magnitudes, and pressure durations, providing versatile control capabilities without requiring multiple separate switches. This universal approach maintains adaptability while improving ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the pressure detection system by measuring not just the presence of pressure but its location, magnitude, and duration across the foot pedal surface. This multi-dimensional detection approach allows a single pedal element to provide the functionality of multiple switches while maintaining excellent ergonomics.
3Ease of operation
If switches are uncovered on the foot pedal, then they are accessible for operation, but they become fouled by saline solution or debris, reducing component life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a force-sensitive resistor that can be integrated into a sealed or protected surface layer of the foot pedal. This thin film or shell structure allows pressure detection while protecting the sensitive electronic component from exposure to saline solution and surgical debris, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining operational accessibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual intervention is required to change settings during surgery, then precise control is possible, but surgical efficiency decreases due to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the foot pedal to automatically detect and respond to different pressure patterns without requiring manual intervention or programming during surgery. The system self-adjusts control parameters based on the detected pressure magnitude and pattern, allowing surgeons to change settings efficiently through natural foot movements while maintaining precise control over surgical functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A foot pedal with a treadle that pivots up and down to vary its pitch, and/or side to side to vary its yaw. The pivot range of motion is divided into a plurality of zones, each zone configured to correspond to a respective virtual switch. When the treadle is pivoted into one of the zones, the corresponding virtual switch is activated. The virtual switch controls an operatively coupled device such as a handpiece used in a surgical procedure.