Ergonomic Foot Pedal with Rotatable Treadle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical foot pedals are not ergonomically flexible, leading to physical discomfort and potential mistakes during surgery, as they often require non-ergonomic postures and may need recalibration or replacement for different surgeons, and lack customization for individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal system with a rotatable treadle, adjustable heel cup, and programmable switches, including a potentiometer and side switches, designed to accommodate various user preferences and surgical modes, providing ergonomic comfort and customizable functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-configuration foot pedal is used, then the device structure is simple, but it causes physical discomfort and requires non-ergonomic postures for different surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal incorporates a rotatable treadle that can be adjusted to different angular positions, allowing the pedal to adapt its configuration dynamically. This enables different surgeons to operate in their preferred ergonomic positions without requiring multiple fixed pedals
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal design integrates multiple functions into a single device: the rotatable treadle provides both pitch and yaw control capabilities, while programmable switches offer multiple control modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pedals for different surgical tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized foot pedals are provided for different surgeons, then individual preferences are accommodated, but recalibration and replacement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal features programmable switches that can be pre-configured with different control modes and parameters. Surgeons can program their preferred settings in advance, eliminating the need for recalibration when switching between users
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal allows modification of operational parameters such as switch activation thresholds, treadle rotation range, and control mode assignments. These parameter changes enable customization for different surgeons without hardware replacement or recalibration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-control foot pedal with multiple switches is used, then control functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal combines multiple control functions into an integrated system where the rotatable treadle and programmable switches work together as a unified control interface. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities
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
Enhances surgeon comfort and concentration by allowing ergonomic adjustments and customizable control modes, reducing the need for recalibration and accommodating different user preferences, thereby improving surgical efficiency and reducing physical strain.
Implementation Method 1
a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer
Data Source
AI summary
A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.