Surgical Robot Pedal Arrangement for Accidental Activation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remote control apparatus for surgical robots requires operators to move their feet up and down to operate foot pedals, leading to potential accidental activation of lower pedals due to heel contact, compromising pedal operability and the number of input operations.
Innovation Solution
A remote control apparatus with an operation pedal section featuring pedals arranged at non-overlapping locations in a planar view but at different height positions, allowing operators to use their toes with the heel on the base, reducing the need for extensive foot movement and enhancing operability while enabling multiple input operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foot pedals are arranged in two height levels (upper and lower), then the number of input operations is increased, but the operator's foot must move up and down which causes the heel to accidentally touch and operate lower pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of pedals to a three-dimensional arrangement where pedals are positioned at different heights. Specifically, the first pedal is positioned at a higher height than the second pedal, creating a vertical dimension that allows both pedals to be operated simultaneously by the toe without heel interference. This spatial reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple input operations while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the operator operates the upper pedal with the toe while keeping the toe and heel raised, then the upper pedal can be activated, but the heel may accidentally touch and operate a pedal in the lower level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the first pedal at a higher height than the second pedal, creating distinct spatial zones for each pedal. This localized spatial differentiation ensures that when the operator presses the first pedal with their toe, the heel cannot simultaneously contact the second pedal due to the height difference. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable upper pedal activation while preventing accidental lower pedal activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control apparatus to remotely control a patient-side system including medical equipment and an endoscope to capture an image of a surgery site according to an embodiment includes: an operation handle with which an operator controls the medical equipment; and an operation pedal section. The operation pedal section includes: plural pedals configured to be pressed down to execute functions concerning the medial equipment; and a base on which the plural pedals are arranged, the plural pedals being arranged at locations not overlapping each other in a planar view. The plural pedals include first height pedals with upper ends thereof located at a first height position and second height pedals with upper ends thereof located at a second height position, which is different from the first height position. The first height pedals are arranged alternately with the second height pedals.