Wireless Surgical Tool Handpiece Control for Visibility and Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical power tools often face challenges with mobility and visibility in crowded operating rooms due to foot pedal controllers and hand-operated control systems, which can limit the surgeon's ability to control the tool effectively, especially with complex procedures and varying patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control device is designed to be mounted on the handpiece of surgical power tools, featuring a housing with arms that can be flexibly coupled to the tool, a pressure-responsive touch pad for user input, and a control unit that sends input information for controlling the tool's operation, allowing the device to be moved along or around the handpiece for improved control and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foot pedal controller is used to control the surgical power tool, then the surgeon's hands are free for other tasks, but the surgeon's mobility in the operating room is limited and the foot pedal relocation is complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless control device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical power tool. The device includes a control unit with input elements that the surgeon can operate, and a wireless communication unit that transmits control signals to the power tool without requiring physical connection or foot pedal relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical foot pedal control system is replaced with a wireless electronic control system. The wireless communication unit transmits control signals electronically, eliminating the need for physical foot pedal relocation and providing hands-free operation capability
2Ease of operation
If a controller is located on the handpiece of the power tool, then the surgeon has direct control of the tool, but the visibility of the surgical site is limited or compromised by the surgeon's hand or the controller itself
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented from the power tool handpiece. The wireless control device is a separate unit that can be positioned independently, allowing the surgeon to control the tool without the controller obstructing the surgical site visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the surgical site. By placing the control unit on the surgeon's body or in the surgeon's field of view rather than on the handpiece, the control elements are moved to a dimension where they do not obstruct the surgical site
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control device is mounted on the handpiece, then the control is stable and secure, but the surgeon cannot move the control device along or around the handpiece for optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed to dynamic. The removable coupling allows the control device to be dynamically repositioned along the handpiece or removed entirely, adapting to different surgical procedures and surgeon preferences while maintaining stability when attached
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 enhances mobility and control of surgical power tools by allowing surgeons to position the control device optimally, improving visibility and operation of the tool, thereby facilitating more precise and efficient surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure responsive touch pad, and a control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device for a surgical power tool. The control device including a housing, an input element located on the housing, and a control unit. The housing configured to couple to a surgical power tool. The input element located proximate the top of the housing and configured to receive a user input. The control unit located within the housing, where the control unit sends user input information received at the input element to the surgical power tool.