Stacked Foot Pedal Assembly for Compact Robotic Surgery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
User fatigue is a concern in robotic surgical systems due to the need for extended operation of workstation consoles, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency, particularly when using foot pedals for controlling surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A foot pedal apparatus with a platform-mounted design featuring angled and vertically overlapping pedals to reduce depth and prevent inadvertent actuation, allowing for ergonomic operation and adjustable positioning to accommodate different user preferences, including a pivotable mount for tilting and a wheeled base for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot pedals are mounted with sufficient individual depth for ergonomic operation, then user comfort is improved, but the total mounted depth increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement to vertical stacking of foot pedals, utilizing the depth dimension to arrange pedals one above another. This dimensional change allows multiple pedals to occupy a smaller horizontal footprint while maintaining adequate depth for each pedal, thereby improving space utilization without compromising user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second pedal is positioned vertically above and partially overlaps the first pedal. This nesting arrangement allows the pedals to share vertical space, reducing the total mounted depth required while preserving the functional depth of each individual pedal for ergonomic operation.
2Ease of operation
If second pedal is positioned for ergonomic forefoot actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of inadvertent first pedal actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different orientation angles to different pedals: the first pedal is oriented at a first angle while the second pedal is oriented at a second, different angle. This local differentiation in orientation creates distinct actuation zones for each pedal, allowing the forefoot to naturally engage the second pedal while the heel or other foot parts engage the first pedal, thereby preventing inadvertent actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric orientation where the second pedal is angled differently from the first pedal relative to the floor surface. This asymmetry ensures that when the user's heel rests on the floor as a pivot, the forefoot naturally contacts the second pedal at its optimal angle, while the different angle of the first pedal prevents accidental engagement by the same forefoot motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple foot pedals are provided for different surgical operations, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple foot pedals into a single vertical assembly mounted on one platform. By merging the first and second pedals (and potentially additional pedals) into one integrated structure with vertical stacking and overlapping arrangement, the system provides control for multiple surgical operations while maintaining a compact, unified device that does not excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical overlapping pedal assembly serves multiple functions: the first pedal handles certain surgical operations while the second pedal, positioned above and angled differently, handles other operations. This multi-functional design allows a single pedal apparatus to control diverse surgical functions without requiring separate, dispersed pedal mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A foot pedal apparatus for use with a workstation operated by a seated user in controlling a robotic surgery system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a platform mountable to the workstation proximate a floor surface on which the workstation is located. The apparatus also includes a first pedal mounted on the platform and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, and a second pedal mounted vertically elevated with respect to the first pedal and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, the second pedal having at least a proximate portion vertically overlapping a distal portion of the first pedal such that the first and second pedals have a mounted depth in a direction away from the user that is less than a sum of the respective individual depths of the first and second pedals.