Adjustable Mounting Support for Robotic Surgical Instrument Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in securely and adjustably mounting instrument drivers over operating tables of varying sizes and models, leading to instability and inadequate support for the weight of the support assemblies.
Innovation Solution
An adapter plate assembly with adjustable clamp assemblies and a load-distributing plate that securely mounts to the operating table, allowing for adjustable width and height to accommodate different table dimensions, and an adapter rail for detachable coupling with a support assembly interface, enabling off-center load support and movement while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate operating tables of varying sizes and models
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates adjustable arms with telescopic sections that can extend and retract, allowing the width and height of the support structure to be dynamically adjusted to match different operating table dimensions. This dynamic adjustability enables the same mounting assembly to adapt to various table sizes without requiring multiple specialized fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly allows modification of key geometric parameters including the width between side rails, the height of the support arms, and the position of the instrument driver. These parameter changes are achieved through adjustable joints, telescopic mechanisms, and repositionable clamps that enable continuous or discrete adjustment of the mounting configuration.
2Strength
If a simple clamp is used to attach to the operating table, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide adequate support for the weight of the support assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly combines multiple clamp structures attached to the adapter plate, creating a distributed attachment system. Instead of relying on a single clamp, the weight load is shared across multiple clamp assemblies that attach to different points on the operating table, thereby increasing total support capacity while maintaining reasonable individual clamp complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including the adapter plate, multiple adjustable arms, and multiple clamp assemblies. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple attachment points on the operating table, with each clamp bearing a portion of the total weight, thereby increasing overall support capacity without requiring any single clamp to be overly complex or large.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting assembly is made rigid to ensure stability, then the stability is high, but it cannot be adjusted to fit different table configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly employs adjustable arms with telescopic sections and movable joints that allow the structure to be configured in different positions and orientations. Once adjusted to the desired configuration, locking mechanisms secure the components in place, providing a stable rigid structure tailored to the specific operating table dimensions. This dynamic adjustability followed by static locking resolves the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple clamps are used to attach to different sides of the table, then the support stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies are designed as universal, interchangeable components that can be attached to various positions on the adapter plate and configured for different table widths. By using identical or similar clamp designs rather than specialized clamps for each position, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same basic clamp structure serves multiple attachment points, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable mounting assembly, includes a load distributing plate configured for resting on, and being supported by, a top surface of a patient table; a first clamp assembly adjustably coupled to a first side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a first side rail of the patient table; a second clamp assembly coupled to a second side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a second side rail of the patient table; and an adapter rail fixed to the second side of the load distributing plate and configured to detachably couple to a support assembly interface, such that an adjustable support assembly may be coupled to the load distributing plate to thereby allow for an off-center load attached to the support assembly to be moved relative to the patient table while the load remains substantially supported by the table surface.