Surgical Foot Controller Layout for Multi-Mode Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot controllers for surgical tools have a complex structure due to the need for multiple switches to select operation modes, leading to a larger size and reduced user-friendliness, with potential operational errors from incorrect switch activation.

Innovation Solution

A foot controller with a placement part featuring first and second operating parts that can be operated back and forth and left and right, arranged along the front-back direction, allowing for reduced width and improved user-friendliness, and including a third operating part for horizontal movement to enhance usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to enable selection of more operation modes, then the operation modes can be expanded, but the structure becomes more complicated and the size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single switch is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different operation types based on the position of the foot. The switch can detect both forward-backward operations and left-right operations, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate switches or controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch incorporates a movable component that can be displaced in multiple directions (forward-backward and left-right). This dynamic structure allows the same physical component to represent different operational states depending on its position, enabling mode selection without adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to enable selection of more operation modes, then the operation modes can be expanded, but the size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidfoot controller size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple operational functions are merged into a single switch component. Instead of having separate controls for different operation modes, the invention combines them into one unified control mechanism that responds to different foot positions, thereby reducing the overall area required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the position of the foot needs to be changed to switch the mode, then more operation modes can be accessed, but the user-friendliness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoiduser-friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch's response is segmented based on the direction of foot movement. Instead of requiring the user to reposition their foot to different areas, the switch detects and responds to different directions of movement (forward-backward vs. left-right) from the same base position, maintaining ease of operation while enabling mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If operating parts are arranged to enable multiple operations, then the functionality is improved, but the risk of erroneous activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidoperational errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch has different sensitive directions or zones that correspond to different operational modes. By designing the switch to respond differently to forces applied in different directions, the system enables multiple functions while maintaining clear distinction between them, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation of the wrong mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4424264B1Foot controller and surgery assistance device

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 RIVERFIELD INC

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AI summary

A foot controller to be used for operation of a device includes: a placement part on which a foot is to be placed; a first operating part capable of being operated back and forth and left and right by the foot placed at a first position of the placement part; and a second operating part capable of being operated back and forth and left and right by the foot placed at a second position of the placement part. On the placement part, the first operating part and the second operating part are arranged along a front-back direction, and a predetermined operation of the device is selected in accordance with a direction of an operation on the first operating part or the second operating part.