Robotic Electrosurgical Connector with Integrated Detection Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably coupling electrosurgical devices to electrosurgical generators, particularly due to the wrapping of wires around the robotic arm, which complicates the connection process and may lead to mechanical issues and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus with an electrosurgical connector and a robotic drive unit housing that includes an electrosurgical receptacle, an activation link, and a detection switch, allowing for secure and reliable electrical connection of robotically controlled electrosurgical instruments to electrosurgical generators, with monopolar and bipolar configurations to manage electrical coupling and connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are used to connect electrosurgical devices to the electrosurgical generator, then electrical connection is achieved, but the wires wrap around the robotic arm causing mechanical issues and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful wire component from the system by implementing direct electrical contacts within the connector assembly. The electrosurgical connector includes integrated electrical contacts that mate directly with the receptacle, eliminating the need for external wires that could wrap around the robotic arm and cause mechanical issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical coupling function into a single integrated connector assembly. The electrosurgical connector combines electrical contacts, activation link, and mechanical engagement features, so that electrical connection and mechanical securing occur simultaneously through one coupling action, eliminating separate wire connections.
2Ease of operation
If a simple connector is used to couple electrosurgical devices, then ease of operation is improved, but detection of proper coupling and prevention of mechanical overload become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection switch that is preliminarily positioned to detect the engagement state before full operation begins. The detection switch is actuated by the activation link during the coupling process, providing early verification of proper connection and enabling the system to confirm secure mating before electrosurgical energy is delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the detection switch that communicates the coupling status back to the control system. The detection switch provides real-time information about whether the connector is properly engaged, allowing the system to monitor connection status and alert operators to improper coupling or potential mechanical overload conditions.
3Reliability
If an activation link with multiple segments is used to detect coupling status, then reliability of detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the activation link to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the mechanical element that engages with the connector and the actuating mechanism for the detection switch. The activation link's movement during coupling naturally triggers the detection switch, combining the engagement and detection functions into a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system includes an electrosurgical generator; an electrosurgical instrument including an electrosurgical connector; and a robotic arm having an instrument drive unit coupled to the electrosurgical instrument. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit housing having: an electrosurgical receptacle coupled to the electrosurgical generator and configured to engage the electrosurgical connector; an activation link configured to engage the electrosurgical connector; and a detection switch actuatable by the actuation link upon being engaged by the electrosurgical connector.