Continuum Robot Fixation Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuum robots lack a configuration to detect the proper attachment or detachment of their components, leading to potential errors in setup and subsequent procedures, such as medical operations, where incomplete attachment can result in repeated setups.
Innovation Solution
A continuum robot system with a base unit, a bendable unit, and an operating portion that includes fixation detection means to ensure the bendable unit is correctly attached or detached from the base unit, utilizing a coupling mechanism and sensors to verify the attachment status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user performs attaching/detaching work manually without detection, then the operation is simple, but the reliability of proper attachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection system that provides feedback on the attachment status between the operated portion and operating portion. Sensors detect whether these components are properly attached, and this information is fed back to the control unit, which then provides appropriate notifications to the user, ensuring reliable verification of attachment status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of attachment status through integrated sensors and automatic detection mechanisms. The robot monitors its own configuration state without requiring external verification, enabling it to autonomously detect improper attachment and notify the user accordingly.
2Productivity
If no detection configuration is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time due to repeated setups increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides immediate feedback on attachment status, preventing incomplete setups from proceeding. By notifying users of improper attachment in real-time, the system avoids the need for repeated setups and subsequent work reperformance, thereby improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of attachment status before allowing the robot to proceed with operations. By detecting and notifying of improper attachment beforehand, the system prevents wasted time on subsequent work that would need to be redone due to setup errors.
3Measurement precision
If manual attachment verification is performed, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of attachment status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and tactile verification with sensor-based detection systems. These sensors automatically detect the attachment status with high precision, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining ease of operation through automatic monitoring and user notifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes: a base unit including a driving source and a coupling portion connected to the driving source; a bendable unit including a bend portion configured to bend and a held portion coupled to the coupling portion and configured to move so as to bend the bend portion, the bendable unit being detachably attachable to the base unit; an operating portion movable between a fixed position where the coupling portion and the held portion are fixed to each other and a position where the coupling portion and the held portion are not fixed to each other, in a state where the bendable unit and the base unit are attached to each other; and fixation detection means configured to detect whether the operating portion is at the fixed position.