Wireless Surgical Cautery Foot Pedal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical cautery devices require a foot pedal connected by wires, which can be inefficient and distracting when surgeons need to move around the operating room, and can also create tripping hazards and interfere with cushioned floor mats.
Innovation Solution
A wireless surgical cautery device with an actuator embedded in footwear or floor mats that allows surgeons to control the device using their foot, eliminating the need for a wired foot pedal and reducing the need for manual actuation, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID wireless communication to transmit on/off signals to control power to the forceps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wired foot pedal is used to control the cautery device, then the device can be operated hands-free, but the wires create tripping hazards and interfere with floor mats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical wire connection between the foot pedal and the voltage generator, extracting the harmful element (wire) while preserving the hands-free operation function. The wireless communication module enables signal transmission without physical cables, eliminating tripping hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired control system with an electronic wireless communication system. The foot pedal uses wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID) to transmit signals to the voltage generator, substituting the mechanical wire connection with electromagnetic signal transmission.
2Ease of operation
If a wired foot pedal is used to control the cautery device, then the device can be operated from a distance, but the wires create distractions and reduce efficiency when surgeons move around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical control system with a wireless electronic system, allowing surgeons to move freely around the operating room without being constrained by cable length or wire management, thereby improving surgical efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic mobility to the control system. The wireless foot pedal allows the surgeon to change position dynamically during the procedure without losing control capability, whereas the wired system creates static constraints that reduce operational flexibility and efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a foot pedal is positioned below the operating table, then hands-free control is achieved, but the pedal must be manually repositioned when the surgeon moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical foot pedal position with a wireless communication system. The foot pedal can be positioned anywhere within wireless range and maintains continuous communication with the voltage generator, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and saving time during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless foot pedal system provides universal positioning capability, allowing the pedal to function effectively at multiple locations around the operating room without requiring physical reconfiguration of the control system, thereby eliminating time loss associated with repositioning.
4Ease of operation
If monopolar electrosurgery mounts the switch on the pencil instrument, then the surgeon can operate it with their hand, but bipolar electrosurgery requires a separate foot pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into a unified wireless system. The foot pedal integrates wireless communication capability directly into the control mechanism, combining the advantages of hands-free operation with the simplicity of a single integrated component rather than separate wired control elements.
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
Enables surgeons to control the cautery device without using their hands, reducing inefficiencies and distractions during procedures, while also eliminating the risk of tripping hazards from wires and allowing for more flexibility in the operating room layout.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to generate and wirelessly transmit an on/off signal. The on/off signal may be transmitted using one of BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi or RFID wireless communication.
Implementation Method 2
The receiver is operable to wirelessly receive the on/off signal.
Implementation Method 3
The voltage generator is configured to be electrically connected to a power source. The forceps are electrically coupled to the voltage generator and configured to cauterize tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cautery device includes a voltage generator, a controller, forceps, an actuator, and a receiver. The voltage generator is configured to be electrically connected to a power source. The forceps are electrically coupled to the voltage generator and configured to cauterize tissue. The actuator is configured to generate and wirelessly transmit an on/off signal. The receiver is operable to wirelessly receive the on/off signal. The controller controls power to the voltage generator from the power source in response to the on/off signal.