Relay-Based Tool Control for Single-Handed Dual Medical Device Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Many medical procedures require simultaneous operation of multiple complex equipment, which is often expensive and requires high communication between multiple physicians, making it inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A relay-based tool control system that includes a local medical tool, a remote medical tool, a lockable joint, a handle connected to the joint, sensors to measure handle motions, and a controller to transfer these motions to the remote tool, allowing single-handed operation of multiple tools during a medical procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple physicians operate different pieces of equipment simultaneously, then the complex medical procedure can be performed, but the cost increases and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tool control functions into a single integrated system. A single physician operates both the local tool (directly connected to the handle) and the remote tool (controlled via sensors and controller) through one handle assembly, merging what previously required multiple physicians into a unified control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it directly controls the local tool when the joint is locked, and it controls the remote tool when the joint is unlocked. The same physical handle and control mechanisms are used for both tools, making the system universal and multi-functional.
2Device complexity
If a single physician operates multiple tools, then cost and communication requirements are reduced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes through the lockable joint mechanism. When locked, the handle directly controls the local tool with mechanical coupling. When unlocked, the handle controls the remote tool through sensors and electronic control. This dynamic reconfiguration allows one physician to easily switch between controlling different tools without complex repositioning or additional controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable joint acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the handle and the two different tools. It provides a simple physical interface that either mechanically couples the handle to the local tool or allows sensor-based control of the remote tool, simplifying the operation for the physician.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is directly connected to the local tool, then the local tool can be precisely controlled, but the remote tool cannot be controlled from the same handle
Solution Approach 1:
The lockable joint provides dynamic reconfigurability, switching between direct mechanical connection for local tool control and sensor-based indirect control for remote tool operation. This allows the same handle to adapt to different control requirements without losing precision in either mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable joint serves as a mediator that enables or disables the direct mechanical connection between the handle and the local tool. When locked, it provides direct control; when unlocked, it allows the sensor system to mediate the control signal transmission to the remote tool, enabling versatile operation from a single handle.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical apparatus, including a local medical tool and a remote medical tool, located remotely from the local medical tool. The apparatus includes a lockable joint, physically connected to the local medical tool, that is operable in a locked state or in an unlocked state. A handle is physically connected to the lockable joint, so that in the locked state of the joint, movements of the handle are directly transferred to corresponding movements of the local medical tool. The apparatus includes sensors that are configured, in the unlocked state of the joint, to measure motions of the handle with respect to the lockable joint. The apparatus also includes a controller, which in the unlocked state of the joint receives indications of the motions of the handle with respect to the lockable joint, and which is configured to apply the indications to generate corresponding motions for the remote medical tool.