Robotic arm cart having shock absorbing mechanisms and uses therefor

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to arm carts for transporting and coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include a damping mechanism (e.g., aspring, a dashpot) configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm due to the arm contacting another object, such as a surgical table. In other embodiments, an arm cart may include a backstop with an inclined surface configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm. In other embodiments, the arm cart may include a compliant arm support that is bendable to damp an impact force imparted to a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the arm cart may include a damping mechanism configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position to permit a robotic arm to couple to a surgical table.

Description

Background technique [0001] Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods for a robotic arm cart for transporting, delivering and securing a robotic arm to, for example, an operating table. [0002] In a surgical robotic system, a robotic arm may be coupled to a patient operating table. Once coupled, the robotic arm can assist in manipulating the instrument based on commands from the operator. For example, a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom can move surgical instruments in response to operator commands to perform procedures on a patient. However, robotic arms can be touch sensitive and easily damaged. When one or more robotic arms are loaded together on a cart, the cart may also be heavy and may gain considerable momentum during transport, making it difficult for the user to maneuver the cart to avoid objects and / or when approaching surgery Slow down the cart when standing on the platform. In such cases, if the robotic arm contacts the operating ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, robotic arms can be touch sensitive and easily damaged

When one or more robotic arms are loaded together on a cart, the cart may also be heavy and may gain considerable momentum during transport, making it difficult for the user to maneuver the cart to avoid objects and / or when approaching surgery slow down cart

In such cases, if the robotic arm contacts the operating table or some other object at high speed, the robotic arm and / or the operating table may be damaged due to impact or impact forces caused by this contact

When a robotic arm is damaged, repair is often difficult and costly, and can lead to significant delays in surgery

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