Remote Laser Switch Using Wireless Antenna Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser systems for minimally invasive procedures lack a reliable and wireless method to control laser energy delivery, particularly in environments where manual intervention is necessary, such as in cardiovascular procedures, leading to potential safety hazards and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A remote control switch system for laser systems that includes a base unit with a controller and a switch unit connected via a tether, utilizing wireless communication between antennas to control laser energy delivery based on the state of a user-operable switch, such as a foot switch or RFID tag, ensuring safe and controlled energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to control laser energy delivery, then operational control is achieved, but safety hazards and operational inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated foot switch mechanism. The foot switch allows the operator to control laser energy delivery without manually reaching into or near the laser system, substituting dangerous manual intervention with a safe remote mechanical control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot switch acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the laser system. It provides a safe intermediate control point that allows operational control while maintaining physical distance from the laser energy path, thus improving both safety and operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If direct physical connections are used for control, then reliable control is achieved, but safety risks increase due to proximity to laser energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct physical connection with the laser system with a foot-operated mechanical control system. This substitution allows reliable control to be maintained through the foot switch mechanism while eliminating the need for hands to be near the laser energy path.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot switch serves as an intermediary control device that transmits control signals without requiring direct physical proximity to the laser system. This intermediary mechanism maintains control reliability while protecting the operator from harmful laser energy exposure.
3Reliability
If remote control is implemented, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a relatively simple foot switch mechanism as the remote control device. This mechanical substitution approach achieves improved safety without introducing excessive complexity, as the foot switch is a straightforward mechanical component that interfaces easily with existing laser control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot switch intermediary adds minimal complexity to the system while significantly improving safety. It is a simple mechanical device that can be integrated into existing laser control architectures without requiring complex electronics or software modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables safe and controlled delivery of laser energy by allowing operators to remotely manage laser activation and deactivation, enhancing procedural safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for direct physical connections and reducing the risk of accidental energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The signal being sent wirelessly to the controller from the second antenna of the switch unit to the first antenna of the base unit
Implementation Method 2
a base unit including a laser
Implementation Method 3
a catheter system including at least one fiber optic cable which transports the laser energy from the first end of the laser energy delivery system towards the second end of the laser energy delivery system
Implementation Method 4
the switch controller is an RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system for use in an environment is disclosed. The laser system may include a base unit including a laser, a controller operatively coupled to the laser, and a first antenna operatively coupled to the controller. The laser system may further include a laser energy delivery system having a first end which receives laser energy from the laser and a second end which delivers the laser energy to the environment. The laser system may further include a switch unit located remote from the base unit and including a switch controller, a second antenna operatively coupled to the switch controller, and a user operable switch. The switch unit may be connected to the base unit through a tether. The controller may determine when the laser energy is provided to the laser energy delivery system based on a signal from the switch unit, the signal being sent wirelessly to the controller from the second antenna of the switch unit to the first antenna of the base unit.