Robotic Instrument Control with Release-Switch Mode Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical handling systems lack intuitive and error-free control mechanisms, particularly in telemedicine and robotic systems, where operators may unintentionally activate functions leading to safety risks and operational distractions.
Innovation Solution
A medical handling device with a robotic handling unit and a control unit that allows for intuitive control using a single input device, featuring a release switch with multiple states to differentiate between instrument and robotic handling unit operations, ensuring safe and unambiguous control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single input device is used to control both instrument and robotic handling unit functions, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional activation and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release switch dynamically changes its functionality based on the current operating mode. In the first operating mode, it acts as a standard input device for instrument control. In the second operating mode, it requires additional activation (pulling towards itself) to execute commands for robotic handling unit control. This dynamic behavior allows a single device to serve multiple control purposes while maintaining safety through mode-dependent activation requirements.
2Reliability
If mode switching is implemented to differentiate control functions, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mode selection function and the command execution function into a single release switch. The switch integrates both the operating mode selection capability and the command activation capability, eliminating the need for separate mode selection switches or buttons. This merging reduces the overall number of control elements while maintaining the safety benefits of mode differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release switch is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple roles: it serves as both the mode selection mechanism and the command activation trigger. Depending on the current operating mode, the same physical switch differentiates between instrument control and robotic handling unit control functions, making the control system more compact and easier to operate.
3Reliability
If separate control mechanisms are used for instrument and robotic handling unit, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release switch dynamically changes its functionality based on the current operating mode. In the first operating mode, it acts as a standard input device for instrument control. In the second operating mode, it requires additional activation (pulling towards itself) to execute commands for robotic handling unit control. This dynamic behavior allows a single device to serve multiple control purposes while maintaining safety through mode-dependent activation requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a medical handling device comprising an instrument holder (40) for receiving an instrument (36); a robotic handling unit (34) carrying the instrument holder (40); a control unit (44) comprising a handling control unit (46) for controlling the robotic handling unit (34) and an instrument control unit (48) for controlling the instrument (36), wherein the control unit (44) has an interface (238) for at least one input device (50); an input device (50) coupled to the interface (238), wherein the input device (50) can be used in a first operating mode to control the instrument (36) and in a second operating mode to control the robotic handling unit (34); and a release switch (54) for activating the second operating mode, in which the robotic handling unit (34) can be moved in response to input commands at the input device (50).The disclosure also relates to a method for controlling a handling device (10).