Surgical Foot Switch Sequence Lock for Safe Instrument Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switch assemblies for surgical instruments, particularly ophthalmic surgical instruments, are counterintuitive and result in sub-optimal control due to design flaws, leading to potential unintended activation of hazardous functions.
Innovation Solution
A foot switch assembly with a safety lock mechanism that requires a predetermined switch sequence for activation, featuring a hinge-mounted moveable foot pedal with a centered pivot axis to prevent foot sliding and additional switches for intuitive operation, along with optional sensors for secure activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are added to the foot switch assembly, then more functions can be controlled, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the foot switch assembly with multiple switches (first and second switches) that can control different functions of the surgical instrument. Each switch is integrated into the same pedal structure, allowing a single device to provide multiple control functions without requiring separate foot switches, thereby maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control switches into a single integrated foot switch assembly with a common pivot axis and heel rest. This merging of multiple functions into one unified structure reduces the overall complexity compared to using separate foot switches for each function, while still providing comprehensive control over the surgical instrument.
2Reliability
If a safety lock mechanism is implemented, then unintended activation is prevented, but the activation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lock mechanism requires the surgeon to perform a predetermined sequence of switch actuations as a preliminary action before the instrument can be activated. This sequence requirement ensures intentional activation while the integrated design keeps the complexity manageable. The system stores the sequence in memory and validates it before enabling instrument operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system that provides feedback by monitoring the sequence of switch actuations and determining whether they match the predetermined safety sequence. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the correct sequence activates the instrument, providing reliable prevention of unintended activation while maintaining a straightforward operational流程.
3Ease of operation
If the pivot axis of the foot pedal is not centered with respect to the heel rest, then the foot pedal may be easier to actuate, but foot sliding occurs reducing control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions the pivot axis of the foot pedal at a specific location relative to the heel rest to create an asymmetric design that optimizes both actuation ease and control precision. The pivot axis is positioned to create appropriate leverage for easy actuation while maintaining stability to prevent foot sliding, achieving a balance between the two requirements through careful asymmetric positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
System (20) with a safety lock (21), the safety lock (21) being configured to at least partially prevent use of a surgical instrument (22). A foot switch assembly (1) is operably configured to control the surgical instrument (22), and has multiple switches (4; 10; 14; 15; 16). A memory (26) is present for storing a predetermined switch sequence associated with the switches (4; 10; 14; 15; 16) of the foot switch assembly (1), as well as a control unit (25) configured to determine whether a series of input switch actuations from the foot switch assembly (1) corresponds to the predetermined switch sequence, and if so, deactivating the safety lock (21) in response to the series of input switch actuations corresponding to the predetermined switch sequence. The invention also relates to various embodiments of a foot switch assembly for controlling a surgical instrument.