Endoscope Adapter Assembly With Rotatable Housing for Robotic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems lack the capability to effectively interface and operate endoscopes, necessitating a solution to integrate endoscopes with the robotic surgical system.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly is provided that includes a proximal and distal housing with a drive assembly, allowing for the connection of an endoscope to a robotic surgical system, enabling rotation and manipulation of the endoscope through a robotic arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an endoscope is integrated with a robotic surgical system, then the functionality and versatility of the robotic surgical system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the robotic surgical system and the endoscope. The adapter includes a proximal housing that interfaces with the robotic system and a distal housing that receives the endoscope, enabling integration without directly modifying the core robotic system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate functional segments: a proximal housing for robotic system interface, a distal housing for endoscope receipt, and a drive assembly for rotation control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates modular integration.
2Ease of operation
If the distal housing is made rotatable to enable endoscope manipulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal housing is designed with rotational capability relative to the proximal housing, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This allows the endoscope to be rotated for manipulation while maintaining a secure non-rotatable connection at the distal end, providing operational flexibility without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly merges the rotational drive mechanism with the adapter structure, combining the motor, gear system, and housing components into an integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system while enabling the rotatable function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter assembly includes multiple housings and drive mechanisms, then the adaptability for endoscope integration is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is segmented into modular components including proximal housing, distal housing, and drive assembly, each of which can be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled. This modularity simplifies manufacturing by allowing parallel production and reduces the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different endoscope types and robotic system configurations. The standardized connection mechanisms and modular design enable the same adapter structure to serve multiple functions and integrate with various systems, reducing the need for custom-manufactured components.
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 adapter assembly facilitates the integration of endoscopes with robotic surgical systems, providing precise control and manipulation, enhancing the functionality of robotic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The drive assembly includes an input and an output. The input is configured to be operably coupled to a motor of the instrument drive unit. The output is operably coupled to the proximal portion of the distal housing to rotate the distal housing relative to the proximal housing.
Implementation Method 2
The drive assembly may include a drive shaft operably interconnecting the input of the drive assembly to the output of the drive assembly such that rotation of the input effects rotation of the output via the drive shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
Adapter assemblies for connecting an endoscope to a robotic surgical system include a proximal housing, a distal housing, and a drive assembly. The distal housing is rotatable relative to the proximal housing via the drive assembly. A surgical assembly for interconnecting an endoscope and a surgical robotic arm includes a surgical instrument holder and an adapter assembly configured for receipt within the surgical instrument holder.