Fixed-End Cochlear Electrode Holder Instrument for Robotic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing otological surgery instruments for inserting cochlear implant electrode holders are complex to manufacture and require significant manual dexterity, limiting their usability with robotic assistance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified otological surgery instrument with a fixed, non-articulated distal end for gripping the electrode holder and a proximal end for attachment to an articulated robot arm, allowing for easier handling and integration with robotic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex instrument with articulated distal end is used to capture and hold the electrode holder, then the gripping capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal gripping end for robot arm attachment and a simple functional distal end with a fixed member for capturing the electrode holder. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex articulated distal end to achieve gripping, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple fixed member that relies on the robot arm's precision positioning and a complementary fixing member on the electrode holder to achieve secure capture. The complexity is moved to the control system rather than the mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If manual control of micro-forceps is required to free the surgeon's other hand, then the availability of hands is improved, but the device complexity and control sophistication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to be self-sufficient in terms of gripping functionality. The fixed member at the distal end passively captures the electrode holder through its simple geometric structure, eliminating the need for active manual control mechanisms like micro-forceps. The surgeon's hands are freed because the robot arm handles all manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (manual micro-forceps actuation) with a simplified mechanical structure (fixed member) controlled by robotic positioning. The complexity of hand actuation is substituted with automated robotic control, reducing the need for sophisticated mechanical actuation mechanisms in the instrument itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed, non-articulated distal end is used for gripping, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the manual action required to capture or release the electrode holder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a complementary fixing member on the electrode holder that works in conjunction with the simple fixed member on the instrument. This intermediary structure enables passive capture without requiring complex articulation, while the robot arm provides the necessary positioning and manipulation to engage and disengage the fixing mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
This instrument for otologic surgery (30), for inserting a cochlear implant electrode holder into a patient's inner ear, comprises a proximal gripping end (34) and a distal functional end (44) for capturing and holding a portion of the electrode holder during the insertion. The proximal end (34) comprises means (36) for fastening to an articulated robot arm and the distal end (44) comprises a fixed member (46, 48) for gripping the portion of the electrode holder by clamping.