Ambidextrous Surgical Tool Safety Switch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered surgical tools with trigger switches often require mental and physical steps to transition between safety and run states, which can interrupt the surgeon's workflow, especially when held with either hand.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly with moveable rocker arms that can be easily switched between safety and run states by pressing on either side, providing tactile feedback and ensuring the tool cannot be inadvertently actuated, allowing for seamless operation regardless of the hand used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trigger switch with safety position is used, then inadvertent actuation is prevented, but the practitioner must perform additional mental and physical steps to transition between safety and run states
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger switch automatically provides tactile feedback to indicate its state (safety or run), eliminating the need for the practitioner to mentally track the state. The system serves itself by providing its own status information through the tactile feedback mechanism, reducing cognitive load and maintaining workflow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger switch incorporates a tactile feedback mechanism that provides immediate physical sensation to the practitioner about the current state (safety or run). This feedback loop allows the practitioner to know the switch state without mental processing, resolving the contradiction between safety prevention and ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If a magnet and sensor system is used for the trigger switch, then precise detection of trigger position is achieved, but the switch may not be easily operable with either hand
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger switch design incorporates asymmetric tactile feedback elements that provide directional guidance regardless of which hand operates the device. The feedback mechanism is positioned and configured to work naturally with either right or left hand operation, maintaining measurement precision while achieving bidirectional adaptability.
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 prevents unintended actuation, provides immediate tactile feedback for the safety state, and allows effortless switching between states with minimal physical effort, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing mental interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Mounted to the pivoting body of this switch is a magnet. Internal to the body of the handpiece to which the switch is mounted is a sensor. This sensor generates a sensor signal that varies as a function of the variations in the characteristics of the sensed magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered surgical tool with a switch for regulating tool operation. A pair of opposed arms extend outwardly from opposed sides of the switch. The arms move between safety and run states. When the arms are in the safety state, the arms engage a static surface to prevent movement of the switch. When in the arms are in the run state the arms are spaced from the static surface so movement is allowed. The arms are connected together so that the movement of one arm results in simultaneous movement of the other arm.