Instrument Coupling Interface for Computer-Assisted Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-assisted systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably engaging instruments with the system, particularly in terms of mechanical coupling and alignment, which affects the accuracy and speed of task execution.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted system is designed with an instrument featuring a receive interface configured to couple with a drive interface, utilizing a transmission element to transmit mechanical energy. The system includes a method for detecting physical coupling, causing motion to engage the drive and receive couplings, and confirming successful engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical coupling methods are used to engage instruments with the computer-assisted system, then the structure is simple, but the engagement reliability and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is segmented into multiple independent features: drive couplings with drive features on the computer-assisted system, receive couplings with receive features on the instrument, and engagement features that provide multiple engagement options. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently while working together to achieve reliable and precise engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive features and receive features are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide multiple distinct engagement options. The engagement features include asymmetric elements such as keys, keyways, or cam mechanisms that ensure proper alignment and prevent incorrect engagement, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple engagement options are provided in the coupling interface, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is designed with preliminary alignment features that guide the instrument into the correct position before final engagement. The multiple engagement options are pre-configured in specific orientations, allowing the operator to easily select from predetermined positions without complex adjustment procedures, thus improving ease of operation while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism includes self-aligning features and automatic engagement capabilities that reduce the operator's burden. The drive and receive couplings are designed to automatically align and engage when brought into proximity, with the multiple engagement options becoming apparent through simple visual or tactile cues, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise mechanical coupling is implemented, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase, but the task execution accuracy improves
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface incorporates tolerance compensation features that cushion against manufacturing variations. The drive and receive features are designed with built-in compliance elements such as elastic deformable regions or tolerance-absorbing geometries that compensate for dimensional variations, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to achieve the required task execution accuracy without demanding ultra-precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism allows for parameter adjustments in the engagement process, such as variable engagement forces, adjustable alignment tolerances, or selectable engagement positions. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to manufacturing variations while maintaining the precision needed for accurate task execution, effectively decoupling manufacturing precision requirements from final accuracy performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-assisted system includes an instrument. The instrument includes a receive interface configured to couple with a drive interface, the receive interface including a first receive coupling with a set of first receive features disposed on the first receive coupling, each first receive feature in the set physically configured for mechanically engaging with a same first drive feature disposed on a first drive coupling of the drive interface, and a transmission element coupled with the first receive coupling such that mechanical energy transmitted by the first drive coupling to the first receive coupling is transmitted to the transmission element.