End Effector Installation Detection Using Effort Test Moves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic manipulation systems face challenges in ensuring proper installation of end effectors and their components, which can lead to incorrect manipulation, damage to objects, or procedural delays due to misalignment or improper installation.

Innovation Solution

A method for self-checking the installation status of end effectors and their components using a control logic circuitry that monitors effort information during test moves, comparing it with predefined profiles to ensure correct installation before allowing operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual installation of end effectors is performed without automated detection, then installation speed is maintained, but installation accuracy and reliability deteriorate leading to potential damage or procedural delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend effector installation correctnessVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting end effector installation status through effort information monitoring during test moves, eliminating the need for external manual verification and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback by monitoring effort information from transducers during test moves, comparing actual effort profiles against expected profiles, and providing installation status feedback to confirm correct end effector installation before allowing operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automated detection systems are implemented to verify end effector installation, then installation reliability improves, but system complexity and initial setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation verification accuracyVSAvoidinstallation status detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical alignment verification methods with electronic sensing using transducers that measure effort information, simplifying the detection process while improving measurement accuracy and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects installation status by monitoring changes in effort parameters (torque, force) during test moves, using parameter analysis to determine whether the end effector is correctly installed without requiring complex geometric measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If test moves are performed to verify end effector installation, then operational safety improves, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepotential damage from misinstallationVSAvoidtime for installation verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs installation verification through test moves before the end effector is used for actual manipulation tasks, identifying and correcting installation issues in advance to prevent damage during critical operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses rapid test moves with automated profile comparison to quickly verify installation status, minimizing the time added to the procedure while ensuring safety through comprehensive effort information monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4279013B1User-installable part installation detection techniques
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC
  • EP4279013B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4279013B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4279013B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Techniques are described for testing whether an end effector, or component thereof, is correctly or incorrectly installed to a manipulation system. In an example, a manipulation system can include a manipulator arm configured to receive an end effector having a first moveable jaw, a transducer configured to provide first effort information of the end effector as the end effector moves, and a processor configured to provide a command signal to effect a first test move of the first moveable jaw, and to provide an installation status of the end effector using the first effort information of the first test move.