Cannula Mount Cam Clamping for Fast Sterile Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannula mounts and surgical systems face challenges in securely and efficiently mounting cannulas of varying sizes, requiring complex and time-consuming procedures that may compromise sterility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The development of cannula mounts with pivotable clamping arms and cam follower surfaces, along with cannula sterile adaptors made of rigid and compliant materials, facilitate quick and secure mounting of cannulas, ensuring proper alignment and sterility through innovative designs that accommodate size variations and simplify the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cannula mounting methods are used, then the mounting process is simple in structure, but the mounting time is long and sterility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula mount employs dynamic clamping arms that can pivot between open and closed positions, allowing the system to adapt during the mounting process. The clamping arms transition from a static holding position to an active clamping position, enabling quick attachment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam follower mechanism enables the clamping arm to automatically transition to the closed position when the cannula is inserted, without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The cam surface geometry self-generates the necessary motion to secure the cannula quickly.
2Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is used, then the cannula mounting reliability is high, but the user effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides a counteracting force that automatically engages the clamping arm with the cannula. The spring force ensures reliable engagement without requiring the user to apply excessive manual force, as the spring assists in the clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam follower mechanism replaces a purely manual clamping system with a cam-based mechanical advantage system. The cam surface converts the user's linear insertion motion into rotational motion of the clamping arm, providing secure engagement with minimal user effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cannulas of varying sizes are accommodated, then the adaptability of the mount is improved, but the alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is designed with universal features including the aperture geometry and clamping arm configuration that can accommodate multiple cannula sizes. The same mount structure handles different cannula diameters without requiring adjustment mechanisms, maintaining alignment precision through consistent geometric relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates varying cannula sizes by changing the engagement parameters of the clamping arm rather than the mount structure itself. The cam surface geometry allows the clamping arm to engage at different positions along its arc, adapting to different cannula radii while maintaining proper alignment.
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 provides secure, reliable, and efficient cannula mounting that minimizes user effort, ensures proper alignment, and maintains sterility, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of teleoperated surgical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The block may comprise a cam surface. The cam surface of the block may engage the cam follower surface of the clamping arm in the first position to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A cannula mount for a surgical system may include a body having an aperture to receive a portion of a cannula. The cannula mount may further include a pivotable clamping arm to engage the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may include a cam follower surface. The cannula mount may further include a block moveable between a first position and a second position. The block may include a cam surface. The cam surface of the block may engage the cam follower surface of the clamping arm in the first position to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the clamping arm engages the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may be permitted to move to an open position in which the clamping arm does not engage the cannula when the block is in the second position.