Sealed Inductive Foot Switch for Sterilizable Medical Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switch devices for medical systems require openings in the housing for wiring and connections, which are prone to damage from cleaning and sterilization chemicals, leading to a limited device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A foot switch device with a housing that includes a coil and a yoke mechanism for inductive coupling, eliminating the need for external wiring and seals, and featuring a sealed design to withstand cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the housing for wiring and connections, then the device can be operated and connected, but the seals are damaged by cleaning and sterilization chemicals, reducing device lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts and wiring that pass through the housing with a wireless communication system. The foot switch device communicates with the medical device using wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical openings in the housing that would require seals. This substitution of mechanical electrical connections with wireless communication resolves the contradiction by maintaining operability while eliminating the vulnerability of seals to chemical damage during sterilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is completely sealed to prevent ingress of dirt and liquids, then protection is improved, but wiring and connections require openings that compromise the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for seals by replacing mechanical wiring connections with wireless communication. The housing can be completely sealed without requiring any openings for electrical connections, as all communication between the foot switch device and the medical device occurs wirelessly. This resolves the contradiction by achieving complete sealing protection while eliminating the complexity of maintaining seals around wiring penetrations.
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 device maintains a sealed and durable structure, allowing easy cleaning and sterilization without damage to electrical components, extending the device's lifespan and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a switching circuit; the switching circuit being configured to detect movement of the pedal relative to the housing, and to issue a switching signal when such movement is detected; wherein the switching circuit comprises a coil arranged in the housing and a yoke attached to the pedal, so that movement of the pedal moves the yoke into or out of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A foot switch device, includes: a housing; a pedal, the pedal being moveably attached to the housing; and a switching circuit; the switching circuit being configured to detect movement of the pedal relative to the housing, and to issue a switching signal when such movement is detected; wherein the switching circuit includes a coil arranged in the housing and a yoke attached to the pedal, so that movement of the pedal moves the yoke into or out of the coil. Also, a medical device system with a foot switch device.