Hydraulic Dual Console for Robotic Surgical Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dual console user interfaces for robotic surgical systems are expensive and require significant space, making them inefficient for training and familiarization with different robotic systems, as surgeons must adapt to various controls and alerts during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A compact dual user console system with a shared control mechanism that synchronizes the master and slave user consoles using hybrid actuators and interconnected pneumatic and hydraulic lines, allowing for simultaneous control of the surgical robot and reducing the need for direct communication with the processing unit, thus enabling cost-effective and space-efficient training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional dual console user interface is used for robotic surgical system training, then complete control functionality is provided for both instructors and trainees, but the system requires significant space and incurs high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate user consoles into a shared control system where a single console provides dual functionality. The master console and slave console are integrated through hydraulic interconnection, allowing both instructor and trainee to control the robotic surgical system from one physical station, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining complete training capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared control console is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can operate as a master console for primary control, as a slave console for training observation, and support both independent and synchronized control modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated consoles for each user role

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional dual console user interface is used for robotic surgical system training, then complete control functionality is provided for both instructors and trainees, but the system incurs high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate user consoles into a shared control system where a single console provides dual functionality. The master console and slave console are integrated through hydraulic interconnection, allowing both instructor and trainee to control the robotic surgical system from one physical station, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining complete training capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slave console creates a replicated control interface that mirrors the master console's functionality through hydraulic coupling. This copying approach allows the trainee to experience identical control sensations and system responses as the instructor without requiring a completely separate expensive console system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If separate master and slave consoles are used with direct processing unit communication, then full control functionality is available, but the interconnect complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinterconnect lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydraulic intermediary system that mediates between the master and slave consoles. Instead of requiring separate electronic communication paths to the processing unit for each console, the hydraulic system acts as an intermediary that transmits control signals and feedback forces directly between consoles, simplifying the overall interconnection architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 shared control system allows for efficient training and familiarization with robotic surgical systems by mirroring movements between consoles, reducing the need for extensive space and minimizing the complexity of interconnect lines, enhancing safety and flexibility while reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

interconnected pneumatic and hydraulic lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

interconnected pneumatic and hydraulic lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3706101B1Low cost dual console training system for robotic surgical system or robotic surgical simulator
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3706101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual user console for a robotic surgical system includes first and second user consoles. The first and user consoles each include an arm, an actuator, and a manifold. Each arm has a joint and the actuator is disposed at the joint. The actuator includes pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders that are each configured to actuate the arm about the joint and to be back driven by movement of the arm about the joint. The manifold is coupled to the pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. The manifolds are in communication with one another such that movements of the arm of the first console about its joint are mirrored to movements of the arm of the second user console about its joint and movements of the arm of the second user console about its joint are mirrored to movements of the arm of the first user console about its joint.