Curved Support for Robotic Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems for minimal invasive surgery lack the flexibility and precision to accurately position robotic instruments within a surgical environment, limiting their ability to mimic conventional surgical procedures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical apparatus featuring a base unit, a member, and a curved support that allows for the positioning of multiple robotic arms at various locations, with non-surgical degrees of freedom for pre-surgical adjustments and surgical degrees of freedom for intra-surgical movements, enabling precise placement of instruments relative to a target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a robotic system uses a fixed support structure for the robotic arm, then the system is simpler in structure, but the precision and flexibility of instrument placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The curved support allows the robotic arm to be positioned at multiple locations along its length, and the robotic arm itself can be adjusted along the curved support, enabling dynamic repositioning while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into multiple adjustable segments: the curved support structure that can accommodate the robotic arm at various locations, and the robotic arm that can be independently adjusted along the curved support. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall precision without requiring the entire system to be complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic arm can be positioned at multiple locations on the curved support, then the flexibility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the robotic arm, enables positioning at multiple locations, and allows adjustment of the robotic arm along its length. This multi-functionality achieves high flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple positioning tasks
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-surgical adjustments are allowed for robotic arm positioning, then the precision of instrument placement is improved, but the time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows pre-surgical adjustments of the robotic arm position and orientation on the curved support, enabling the surgical team to optimize instrument placement before the procedure begins. This preliminary positioning ensures precision is achieved while the time investment is made during setup rather than during the actual surgery
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for medical procedures are provided. The apparatus includes a base, a member having first and second ends, and a support configured to support a plurality of robotic arms. Each robotic arm configured to support and position a robotic instrument according to multiple surgical degrees of freedom.