Overlapping Foot Pedal Layout for Ergonomic Robotic Surgery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
User fatigue is a concern in robotic surgical systems due to the need for extended operation of workstation consoles, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency, especially when foot pedals are used for controlling surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal apparatus with a platform-mounted design featuring angled and vertically overlapping pedals to reduce depth and prevent inadvertent actuation, allowing for ergonomic operation and adjustable positioning to accommodate different user preferences, including a pivotable mount for tilting and a wheeled base for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If foot pedals are used for controlling surgical operations, then operational efficiency is improved, but user fatigue increases due to extended operation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal apparatus allows dynamic adjustment of pedal positions and angles through the platform's ability to tilt and individual pedal adjustability. This enables the system to adapt to different user preferences and seated positions, reducing fatigue during extended operational periods while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables parameter changes in pedal orientation angles and vertical positions. The actuation surfaces can be oriented at different angles (e.g., about 14° for the second pedal and about 7° for the first pedal relative to the floor surface), and the platform can be tilted to adjust these parameters, optimizing comfort and reducing fatigue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple foot pedals are mounted vertically, then control functionality is improved, but device depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting pedals side-by-side in a single dimension, the apparatus utilizes vertical stacking with overlapping profiles. The second pedal is mounted vertically elevated with respect to the first pedal, and the vertical overlap reduces the total mounted depth while maintaining multiple control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedals are arranged in a nested configuration where the proximate portion of the second pedal vertically overlaps the distal portion of the first pedal. This nesting approach allows multiple pedals to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall depth of the apparatus from what would be the sum of individual pedal depths to about 200 mm.
3Ease of operation
If foot pedals are positioned for ergonomic operation, then user comfort is improved, but inadvertent actuation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each pedal is given distinct local characteristics through different actuation surface angles and vertical positions. The second pedal has an actuation surface oriented at about 14° while the first pedal is oriented at about 7°, creating distinct engagement zones that reduce the likelihood of inadvertent actuation while maintaining ergonomic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot pedal apparatus is segmented into distinct first and second pedals with separate actuation surfaces and control functions. This segmentation allows each pedal to be independently optimized for its specific function while maintaining ergonomic operation, reducing cross-interference and inadvertent actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A foot pedal apparatus for use with a workstation operated by a seated user in controlling a robotic surgery system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a platform mountable to the workstation proximate a floor surface on which the workstation is located. The apparatus also includes a first pedal mounted on the platform and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, and a second pedal mounted vertically elevated with respect to the first pedal and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, the second pedal having at least a proximate portion vertically overlapping a distal portion of the first pedal such that the first and second pedals have a mounted depth in a direction away from the user that is less than a sum of the respective individual depths of the first and second pedals.