Robotic Surgery Workstation Height Adjustment for Seated Hand Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In robotic systems, such as surgical robotic systems, user fatigue due to prolonged operation of the workstation can occur because the input device is not ergonomically positioned, leading to discomfort and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the ergonomic height of an input device by analyzing the vertical position of a hand controller within the input device workspace, adjusting the platform's vertical position to align the input device with the user's comfort level, and allowing user preferences to be saved for future sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device is fixed at a standard height, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but user fatigue occurs due to non-ergonomic positioning during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is mounted on a platform that can dynamically adjust its vertical position. The platform moves between a first vertical position and a second vertical position based on detected hand controller positions, allowing the system to adapt to different user ergonomics requirements rather than being fixed at a single height.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical position parameter of the input device platform. By detecting the vertical position of the hand controller in the input device workspace and comparing it to a predefined ergonomic position, the system adjusts the platform's vertical location to optimize user comfort during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the input device is adjusted to individual user ergonomic heights, then user fatigue is reduced, but the system complexity and adjustment mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the hand controller's vertical position and autonomously moving the platform to the appropriate ergonomic height. The processor detectss the hand controller position and controls the platform movement without requiring manual intervention from the user, making the complex adjustment mechanism operate transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from hand controller position detection to control platform movement. The processor continuously monitors the vertical position of the hand controller within the input device workspace and adjusts the platform position based on this feedback to maintain optimal ergonomic positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the platform moves vertically to position the input device at ergonomic height, then user comfort is improved, but the positioning time and system response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning by moving the platform to a default vertical position during system initialization or startup, before the user begins operation. This preliminary action ensures the input device is approximately at the correct ergonomic height before the user needs to start working, reducing the time required for positioning during actual use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning an input device of a workstation for use by a seated user in controlling a robotic surgery system is disclosed. The input device is operable to generate input signals representing a position of a hand controller moveable within an input device workspace. The method involves determining a vertical position of the hand controller within the input device workspace for an input signal received from the input device while a seated user's hand is grasping the hand controller in an initialization position defined with respect to the user's body. The method also involves determining a user ergonomic height of the input device based on the vertical position of the hand controller at the initialization position, and causing a platform of the workstation on which the input device is mounted to move vertically with respect to a base of the workstation to position the input device at the ergonomic height.