Adjustable Arm Support Linkage for Ergonomic Robotic Surgery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic surgical systems lack ergonomic and efficient user interfaces, leading to user fatigue and reduced precision during minimally invasive surgeries, as existing systems do not adequately accommodate user characteristics and surgical task requirements.
Innovation Solution
A user system featuring a handheld groundless user interface device and an adjustable ergonomic arm support linkage within a user console, which includes a seat and a SCARA linkage system, allowing for customizable configurations based on user and task-specific characteristics, with integrated sensors for tracking and adjusting the arm support to enhance ergonomics and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional robotic systems are used, then robotic automation is achieved, but user fatigue increases and precision decreases due to lack of ergonomic support
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support linkage is designed to be dynamically adjustable between folded and unfolded configurations, allowing it to adapt to different user needs and surgical tasks. The linkage can be manually repositioned by the user to provide ergonomic support during operation, reducing fatigue while maintaining robotic automation capabilities.
2Device complexity
If fixed configuration arm support is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user characteristics and surgical tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support linkage is divided into multiple segments (proximal, intermediate, and distal segments) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the support structure to adapt to various user arm lengths and surgical task requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage employs movable joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration between folded and unfolded states, enabling the same structure to serve multiple purposes: providing ergonomic support during surgery and being compact for storage or transport.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable arm support linkage is implemented, then ergonomics and user precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support linkage is designed to be manually adjustable by the user without requiring complex motorized systems or additional control mechanisms. The user can directly reposition the linkage segments to achieve the desired configuration, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics that would increase device complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If folded storage configuration is used, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility of mount portion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mount portion is integrated into the movable linkage structure, allowing it to be easily accessed when the linkage is in the unfolded configuration and automatically concealed when folded. This dynamic positioning provides space efficiency during storage while maintaining full accessibility during surgical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A user system for a robotic surgical system, the user system including a handheld groundless user interface device configured to control the robotic surgical system, and a user console. The user console includes a seat and a first adjustable, ergonomic arm support linkage coupled to the seat, in which the first arm support linkage is movable between a folded storage configuration and at least one unfolded use configuration corresponding to at least one of a user characteristic and a surgical task characteristic. The at least one unfolded use configuration may be pre-stored in a database.