Single Button Biopsy Interface With Force-Sensitive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Core needle biopsy devices face challenges in operating with real-time feedback and limited user interaction points, leading to operator confusion due to complex mechanisms requiring multiple buttons and providing limited feedback during tissue acquisition sequences.
Innovation Solution
A core needle biopsy device with a user interface featuring a single button and indicators that provide real-time feedback, allowing for simplified operation and control of the device's drive assembly to collect multiple tissue samples with a single insertion, using a needle assembly with a piercer and cutter that can be driven through various sequences for tissue acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and control features are provided on the biopsy device, then the device can control complex drive assembly sequences, but operator confusion increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single button interface. The button can be pressed with different forces (actuation forces) to trigger different sequences, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple buttons into one unified control mechanism, thereby reducing operator confusion while maintaining control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single button is designed to perform multiple functions through varying actuation forces. Different press forces activate different drive assembly sequences, making the button a universal control element that replaces multiple specialized buttons while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If a single button interface is used, then ease of operation improves and operator confusion reduces, but control capability over complex sequences may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control capability is expanded by changing the parameter of actuation force on the single button. By recognizing different force levels (light press, heavy press, hold duration), the system can distinguish between different intended sequences, thereby maintaining control capability while using a simplified single-button interface
3Loss of information
If real-time feedback indicators are added, then operator understanding improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
LED indicators change color or illumination state to provide real-time feedback about the current sequence status and button recognition. This visual feedback system communicates device state clearly without requiring complex displays or multiple indicator types, thereby providing information while minimizing interface complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A core needle biopsy device includes a needle assembly, a drive assembly, and a user interface. The needle assembly includes a piercer and a hollow cutter. The piercer includes a sharp distal tip and a notch proximal to the distal tip. The piercer is slidably disposed within the cutter to sever a tissue sample into the notch of the piercer. The drive assembly is configured to selectively move the piercer and the cutter. The user interface includes one or more indicators and a single button. The single button is configured to initiate a plurality of movements of the drive assembly to control arming and firing of the piercer and the cutter. The one or more indicators are configured to transition between a plurality of predetermined states to define one or more predetermined status sequences indicative of movement of the piercer and the cutter via the drive assembly.