Surgical Foot Controller Shroud for Safe Laser Switch Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical foot controllers require operators to divert attention from procedures to access laser emission controls, leading to potential risks and inefficiencies, especially in delicate procedures like vitrectomy and pan-retinal photocoagulation, due to the need for separate controllers and cluttered operation environments.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional foot controller with an integrated shroud that allows intuitive switching between functions, featuring a treadle with a spring assembly and control assembly to convert angular positions into signals, and a switch positioned at the distal end of the base, which is shrouded by default but exposed upon upward rotational lift, enabling safe and efficient control of therapeutic lasers without requiring operators to look away from their work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate foot controller is provided for each surgical instrument, then each instrument can be controlled independently, but the operation environment becomes cluttered with control devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of control devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple surgical instrument controls into a single foot controller unit. The controller can switch between different surgical instruments (e.g., vitrectomy probe, therapeutic laser) and control their respective functions through a unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate controllers and reducing operational clutter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate foot controllers for different surgical instruments into one integrated device. The unified controller merges the control functions of the vitrectomy probe and therapeutic laser into a single unit, simplifying the operational environment while maintaining full control capabilities for all instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a movable shroud is incorporated into the heel-region of the base, then laser emission control can be accessed, but the operator must divert attention from the procedure to look down at the footswitch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser control accessibilityVSAvoidsurgical focus maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the laser emission control switch from the heel-region (vertical dimension) to the distal end of the base (horizontal dimension). This spatial relocation allows the operator to access the laser switch through lateral foot movement rather than downward gaze, maintaining surgical focus while enabling safe laser control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the treadle structure as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operator's foot and the laser control switch. The treadle's rotational movement translates foot pressure into switch activation, providing an intuitive interface that requires minimal cognitive shift from the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the switch is exposed by default, then laser control is easily accessible, but accidental laser activation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental activation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by default-shrouding the laser emission control switch. The shroud acts as a pre-established barrier that prevents accidental activation while allowing intentional activation through specific foot movements (treadle rotation or lateral foot movement), thereby balancing safety with operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution allows for seamless and safe operation of multiple surgical instruments, reducing the risk of accidental laser activation and minimizing unnecessary movements, thereby optimizing patient outcomes by integrating laser control within the foot controller's design.

Implementation Method 1

a spring assembly that places the pedal surface of the treadle at the default angular position with respect to the base and configured to compress with the application of torque on the pedal surface by a downward rotational depression of the treadle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a control assembly that determines the angular position of the treadle relative to the base and to converts the angular position into a first signal describing the angular position of the pedal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11487313B2Multi-functional surgical foot controller with integrated shroud

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 ALCON INC

AI summary

Multi-functional foot controller with treadle for controlling a first function and as an integrated shroud for a switch that controls an additional function.