Flexible Seal Robotic Access System for Zero-Leakage Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical robotics faces challenges in accessing body cavities and regions with limited space, particularly in introducing instruments without causing pressure or fluid leakage, and requires flexible and secure sealing mechanisms to accommodate robotic manipulators.
Innovation Solution
A surgical robotic access system featuring a sealing cap with a flexible seal and embedded robotic insertion tube, providing a multi-faceted range of movement and zero-leakage access, using a flexible seal with embedded inner access connectors and outer access connectors that can be interchanged for different robotic coupling interfaces, ensuring secure and adaptable sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sealing mechanism is used to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ability to accommodate robotic movement and varying configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane seal that can deform and conform to the movement of robotic manipulators while maintaining the seal integrity. This flexible membrane allows the system to accommodate varying robotic configurations and movements without compromising fluid leakage prevention, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to adapt its configuration in response to robotic manipulator movements. The flexible seal can change its shape and position dynamically while maintaining effective sealing, enabling both high reliability and adaptability to different robotic positions and orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access connectors are provided for different robotic systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access connector design that can interface with multiple types of robotic systems through a standardized interface. This single multi-functional connector eliminates the need for multiple specialized connectors, thereby maintaining adaptability to different robotic systems while reducing overall device complexity and the number of components required.
3Reliability
If the robotic insertion tube is firmly fixed to prevent movement, then sealing integrity is improved, but insertion forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seal allows the insertion tube to be secured with minimal insertion forces while maintaining sealing integrity. The flexibility of the membrane compensates for any movement or misalignment, enabling secure fixation without requiring excessive insertion force that could damage the patient tissue or the device.
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
Enables secure and flexible access for surgical robotic manipulators within body cavities without fluid or gas leakage, allowing for varied robotic sleeve connections and reducing insertion forces through haptic feedback, while maintaining the integrity of the seal and accommodating different robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible seal surrounding the robotic insertion tube prevents leakage of pressurized fluid or gas from within the body cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
The surgical robotic access system provides access for robotic instruments and/or actuators including the introduction, operation and withdrawal of such robotic manipulators into a body cavity without permitting the escape of pressurized fluid or gas. The surgical robotic access system also provides a multi-faceted range of movement without touching or effecting pressure on the opening in the patient's body cavity. The system includes a proximal flexible seal (15) with an embedded robotic insertion tube (50).