Hook and Pivot Interface for Robotic Medical Arms
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face difficulties in quickly and efficiently swapping out robotic surgical arms for maintenance, adjustments, or replacement due to the weight and complexity of the arms, which requires significant time and effort from a single person.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hook and pivot electro-mechanical interface that allows for easy mounting and dismounting of robotic surgical arms using a set-up arm system, featuring a hook mechanism and adjustable electrical connectors for precise alignment and secure connection, enabling quick and reliable attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic surgical arm is made heavy and complex to provide sufficient power and precision, then it can perform surgical functions effectively, but it becomes difficult and time-consuming to swap out for maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical arm is designed as a modular system with distinct segments (surgical arm, set-up arm, base system) that can be independently swapped. The quick interface mechanism divides the connection into separable components that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged, allowing the heavy surgical arm to be replaced without moving the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical arm is extracted as a replaceable module from the overall robotic system. The quick interface mechanism allows the surgical arm to be removed and replaced independently, separating the replacement operation from the base system and other components, thereby minimizing downtime.
2Strength
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used for robotic surgical arms, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires significant effort and time from multiple persons
Solution Approach 1:
A quick interface mechanism acts as an intermediary between the surgical arm and set-up arm, providing a specialized connection system that combines secure attachment with ease of operation. This intermediate mechanism includes hooks, latches, and alignment features that simplify the mounting process while maintaining strong mechanical and electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick interface mechanism incorporates self-aligning features and automatic connection capabilities that reduce the skill level and number of persons required for mounting. The design allows the components to guide themselves into proper alignment during the swapping process, minimizing manual adjustment requirements.
3Reliability
If electrical connectors are positioned for precise alignment during arm swapping, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the risk of connector damage during alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection is established before the electrical connection during the arm swapping process. The quick interface mechanism is designed so that mechanical hooks and latches engage first, securing the arm mechanically, which then guides and protects the electrical connectors as they align and mate, preventing damage from misalignment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are positioned within protective housings or guides that are part of the nested interface structure. The mechanical connection components surround and protect the more fragile electrical connectors during the alignment and mating process, shielding them from damage while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic medical system that includes a quick-connect/disconnect feature to facilitate the connecting and disconnecting of a robotic medical arm to and from a set-up arm is disclosed. The robotic medical system includes a robotic medical arm including an interface having a downward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. The system further includes a set-up arm including an interface having an upward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. To connect the robotic medical arm to the set-up arm, a user links the downward-oriented hook to the upward-oriented hook, and pivots the robotic medical arm until the respective electrical connectors mate with each other. To disconnect the robotic medical arm from the set-up arm, a user pivots the robotic medical arm to disconnect the electrical connectors, and then de-links the hooks.