Smart Handle Force Control for Sterile C-Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile surgery systems, particularly those with C-arms, face challenges in precise control during surgeries due to the need for manual operation by technicians, leading to potential exposure of patients and staff to unwanted X-ray radiation and inefficiencies in positioning the C-arm within the sterile environment.
Innovation Solution
A smart handle apparatus with a force determining device and button device that allows for intuitive control of the C-arm movements by determining the direction and strength of forces applied, enabling precise control signals for the mobile surgery system, thereby allowing surgeons to position the C-arm independently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of C-arm by technician is used, then device complexity is reduced, but surgical efficiency deteriorates and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart handle enables surgeons to independently control the C-arm positioning system without requiring assistance from technicians. The force determining device automatically detects applied forces and converts them into control signals, allowing the system to serve itself by translating natural hand movements into precise C-arm positioning commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with a force-sensitive electronic control system. The force determining device (using sensors like FSR or strain gauges) substitutes manual mechanical operation with electronic detection and signal processing, enabling more precise and efficient control while reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If manual lock and unlock of C-arm axes is used, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual locking and unlocking mechanisms with an electronic force-detection system. The force determining device continuously monitors applied forces and automatically generates control signals to lock or unlock C-arm axes, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations and simplifying the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through the force determining device, which monitors forces applied to the handle in real-time and automatically adjusts C-arm positioning accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for separate lock/unlock operations by continuously responding to surgeon inputs.
3Productivity
If surgeons cannot move C-arm during surgery, then radiation exposure is reduced, but surgical efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The smart handle empowers surgeons to independently reposition the C-arm during surgery without leaving the sterile field or requiring technician assistance. This self-service capability ensures that surgeons can immediately obtain optimal imaging angles, minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining surgical efficiency.
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 smart handle apparatus enhances surgical efficiency by allowing surgeons to control C-arm movements within the sterile environment, reducing radiation exposure and minimizing procedural time, while preventing unintentional movements and optimizing workflow.
Implementation Method 1
a force determining device adapted to determine the direction of a force applied to the handle bar in components of a three dimensional space
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device (100) having smart handle apparatus allowing the operation of a medical device as intended by a user.