Ultrasonic Surgical Power Mode Switching With Timed Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack efficient and user-friendly methods for transitioning between power modes, leading to potential misoperation and inconsistent energy delivery during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating ultrasonic surgical instruments that includes determining the transition of a switch between power modes and providing tactile, audio, or visual alerts to confirm the intended mode change, ensuring consistent power level adjustments based on predetermined times and user confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If power mode transitions are implemented without confirmation delays, then the device responds quickly to user input, but the risk of misoperation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary confirmation action by detecting sustained switch activation over a predetermined time period before executing the power mode transition. This preliminary verification prevents accidental or premature mode changes while maintaining quick response once confirmation is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user through visual indicators (display elements) showing the current switch state and confirming when the predetermined time threshold is met. This feedback loop allows users to verify the system has registered their intent before the mode transition occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If switch activation requires prolonged pressing, then misoperation is reduced, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode transition accuracyVSAvoidswitch activation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires a partial action (pressing the switch for a specific duration) rather than a simple tap, but this duration is calibrated to be short enough to remain user-friendly while long enough to prevent accidental activation. The threshold is optimized to balance reliability and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Visual feedback elements provide real-time indication of switch press duration, allowing users to know when the predetermined time threshold has been met and the mode transition will occur. This reduces uncertainty and makes the prolonged pressing requirement feel more controlled and less burdensome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If power mode changes are immediate upon switch transition, then operational responsiveness is high, but energy delivery consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching speedVSAvoidpower level stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of the user's intent to change power modes by requiring sustained switch activation. Only after this preliminary confirmation does the system execute the power mode transition, ensuring that changes occur only when deliberately intended, thus maintaining power delivery consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If no user confirmation is provided before mode changes, then the interface is simple, but the risk of unintended operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interface complexityVSAvoidintended operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates visual feedback through display elements that show the switch state and confirm when the predetermined time threshold is satisfied. This feedback mechanism provides user confirmation without adding significant interface complexity, as it uses existing display capabilities rather than requiring additional physical controls or complex menus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12510867B2Systems and methods for operating a surgical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A method for operating a surgical device, includes: determining whether a switch has transitioned from a first condition, corresponding to a first operating mode, to a second condition, corresponding to a second operating mode; when it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the first condition to the second condition: maintaining the first operating mode for a pre-determined time; in a case where the switch remains in the second condition throughout the pre-determined time, switching to the second operating mode after expiration of the pre-determined time; and when the switch returns to the first condition during the pre-determined time, maintaining the first operating mode after expiration of the pre-determined time.