Surgical Foot Switch Assembly With Sequence-Based Safety Unlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switches for surgical instruments, particularly ophthalmic surgical instruments, are counterintuitive and result in sub-optimal control due to issues like undesired activation and lack of intuitive operation.
Innovation Solution
A foot switch assembly with a centered pivot axis for the moveable foot pedal and a heel rest, combined with a safety lock mechanism that requires a predefined switch sequence for activation, ensuring intuitive and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foot switch assembly is used to control surgical instruments, then the user can operate the instrument with foot movement, but unintended activation may occur due to lack of safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a safety lock mechanism that requires a predetermined sequence of switch actuations before the surgical instrument can be activated. This preliminary action ensures that only intentional, deliberate operations are performed, preventing unintended activation while maintaining ease of foot-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from simple single-step activation to a multi-step sequence requirement. By requiring a predetermined sequence of switch actuations, the system transforms the activation process into a more controlled operation that maintains ease of use while preventing accidental activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are provided on the foot switch assembly, then more functions can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a foot switch assembly with multiple switches that can control different functions of the surgical instrument. Each switch can be configured to perform different operations, allowing a single device to provide multiple functions without requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the sequence of switch actuations and provides feedback to determine when the predetermined sequence has been completed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to manage multiple switches and complex sequences while maintaining clear operational status for the user.
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.