Counterweighted Clutch Assembly for Reliable Energy Applicator Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robotic manipulators lack efficient and reliable systems for attaching and driving energy applicators, which limits their precision and versatility in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool system featuring a counterweighted clutch assembly and axial connector mechanism that securely engages and drives an energy applicator, allowing for precise control and easy attachment/detachment, enhancing the manipulator's capability to perform various surgical tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional attachment system is used for energy applicators, then the structure is simple, but the precision and reliability of attaching and driving energy applicators is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly incorporates counterweights that balance rotational forces during operation. The counterweights are positioned to offset centrifugal forces generated by the rotating energy applicator, ensuring stable operation and preventing vibration that could compromise attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system transitions from a static connection to a dynamic clutch-based connection that can engage and disengage. The clutch assembly allows the energy applicator to be securely attached during operation and easily detached when needed, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure engagement during use.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the connector assembly for secure locking, the clutch assembly for power transmission, and the energy applicator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling modular assembly and disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on operational conditions. The counterweighted mechanism self-regulates to maintain proper engagement during rotation, reducing the need for manual adjustment while ensuring reliable connection.
3Measurement precision
If a counterweighted clutch assembly is used, then the precision of driving energy applicators is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly incorporates counterweights that balance rotational forces during operation. The counterweights are positioned to offset centrifugal forces generated by the rotating energy applicator, ensuring stable operation and preventing vibration that could compromise attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational power from the drive shaft to the energy applicator, provides secure engagement through the locking mechanism, and balances rotational forces through counterweights. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable locking mechanism is implemented, then the versatility of surgical procedures is improved, but the potential for attachment failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system transitions from a static connection to a dynamic clutch-based connection that can engage and disengage. The clutch assembly allows the energy applicator to be securely attached during operation and easily detached when needed, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure engagement during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly incorporates a locking mechanism that secures the energy applicator before rotational forces are applied. This pre-securing step ensures the attachment is established and verified before the clutch engages, preventing premature failure while allowing controlled disengagement when required.
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 system provides improved precision and reliability in attaching and driving energy applicators, enabling more versatile and efficient surgical procedures by ensuring consistent and secure engagement, reducing downtime, and facilitating accurate tissue manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
the drive system comprises a counterweighted clutch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a tool assembly for use with an energy applicator having a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The tool assembly comprises a support structure to support the energy applicator, and a connector assembly arranged to engage and releasably lock the energy applicator to the support structure in a locked state. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and is configured to rotatably drive the shaft of the energy applicator about the axis. The drive system comprises a counterweighted clutch assembly.