Electrosurgical Connection Unit for Surgical Robot Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic electrosurgical systems lack a convenient and safe method for activating electrosurgical instruments attached to robot arms, as traditional activation buttons or foot pedals are not suitable for robotic systems, leading to potential delays, errors, and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical connection unit for surgical robot arms, which includes an input port for connecting to an electrosurgical generator, an output port for connecting to an electrosurgical instrument, activation switch units, and a control unit that selectively activates these switch units in response to control signals, allowing for the dynamic selection of electrosurgical waveforms from a central command interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional activation buttons or foot pedals are used in robotic electrosurgical systems, then the system can activate electrosurgical instruments, but the activation process becomes unsafe and prone to errors due to lack of centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized command interface as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the electrosurgical instrument activation. This mediator ensures that activation commands are properly routed and verified before executing, preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of use through a unified control point.
Solution Approach 2:
The command interface serves multiple functions: it acts as a centralized activation control, a verification system, and a coordination hub for multiple instruments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate controls into a single safe interface.
2Productivity
If traditional activation methods are used in robotic systems, then instrument activation is possible, but delays and errors occur due to lack of coordinated control
Solution Approach 1:
The command interface implements feedback mechanisms to verify that the correct instrument is selected and ready for activation before the actual activation occurs. This feedback loop prevents errors and delays by ensuring proper system state before execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification and coordination actions through the command interface before actual instrument activation. This includes checking instrument readiness, confirming correct selection, and coordinating with the robotic system state to prevent errors.
3Ease of operation
If electrosurgical instruments are activated without centralized control, then activation can occur, but the risk of activating the wrong instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command interface acts as a mediator that verifies instrument selection and coordinates activation commands. This intermediary layer ensures that the intended instrument is correctly identified and confirmed before activation, preventing wrong instrument activation while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical connection unit for a surgical robot arm to connect an electrosurgical instrument attached to the arm to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical connection unit includes an input port connectable to the electrosurgical generator, the input port configured to receive a driving electrosurgical signal and output one or more activation signals; an output port connectable to the electrosurgical instrument, the output port configured to output the driving electrosurgical signal received on the input port; one or more activation switch units, wherein activation of an activation switch unit causes an activation signal to be output from the input port indicating a driving electrosurgical signal with a desired waveform is to be activated; and a control unit configured to selectively activate one of the one or more activation switch units in response to a control signal.