Surgical Robot Instrument Memory for Software Compatibility Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical robotic systems face challenges in tracking compatibility between different hardware iterations of surgical instruments and their corresponding software controllers, leading to issues such as improper closure of blades due to incompatibility and the need for modified torque targets.
Innovation Solution
A surgical robotic system with an instrument memory storing a list of compatible software modules and a main memory containing software instructions, along with a controller that communicates with the instrument memory to determine compatibility and select the appropriate software module for controlling the surgical instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware iterations of surgical instruments are updated, then instrument functionality is improved, but compatibility with existing software controllers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument stores a list of compatible software module identifiers in its memory before hardware changes occur. This pre-stored compatibility information enables the controller to proactively select the correct software module when the instrument is coupled, preventing compatibility issues before they arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the controller reads the compatible software module list from the instrument memory, compares it with available software modules in the system, and selects the matching one. This feedback mechanism ensures that software and hardware remain synchronized across iterations.
2Manufacturing precision
If torque targets are modified for new hardware versions, then instrument performance is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually configuring torque targets for each hardware version, the system changes the approach by storing optimized parameters within the software modules themselves. Each software module contains the specific torque targets and control parameters needed for its corresponding hardware version, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of software modules for different hardware versions, with each copy containing the specific parameters optimized for its target hardware. This allows the system to maintain multiple versions without increasing operational complexity, as the correct version is automatically selected based on hardware identification.
3Measurement precision
If compatibility checking is performed manually, then accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs self-identification by providing its own hardware identifier and compatible software module list through its memory. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual compatibility checking by the user, as the system automatically determines compatibility by reading the instrument's stored information.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of compatibility checking is replaced with an automated electronic system. The controller electronically reads the instrument's memory, compares software module identifiers with available modules, and automatically selects the compatible one, replacing manual verification with automated digital comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical robotic system includes a surgical instrument having an instrument memory storing a list having a plurality of identifiers, each of which identifies a compatible software module. The system also includes a main memory having a plurality of stored software modules, each of which includes instructions for controlling a particular type of surgical instruments. The system further includes a controller configured to communicate with the instrument memory and to determine whether at least one of the stored software modules matches at least one of the compatible software modules.