Interchangeable Tracking Arrays for Multi-Procedure Surgical Robots

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in accurately tracking the location and orientation of surgical tools due to obstructed views of tracking arrays, particularly when switching between different surgical procedures like knee and shoulder surgeries, which require different fields of view.

Innovation Solution

The development of interchangeable tracking array assemblies with adjustable configurations and locking mechanisms that allow secure attachment to a surgical robot, enabling easy switching between tracking arrays optimized for specific surgical procedures, and a computer system to automatically recognize and execute associated surgical functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single surgical robot is used for multiple surgical procedures, then device versatility is improved, but tracking accuracy and field of view suitability deteriorate when switching between different surgical types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking array assembly is divided into separable components: a first portion that attaches to the surgical robot and a second portion that attaches to the patient. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility while ensuring accurate tracking for each specific surgical procedure by optimizing each portion independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different tracking array assemblies optimized for various surgical procedures (knee, shoulder, hip, etc.). This allows a single surgical robot to perform multiple surgical types by simply changing the tracking array assembly, maintaining both versatility and tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If tracking array assemblies are optimized for specific surgical procedures, then measurement precision for that procedure is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple specialized assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it attaches to the surgical robot, receives the tracking array assembly, and provides a sterile barrier interface. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise be separate components into one unified structure that supports multiple surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary element between the surgical robot and the patient, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the system. Instead of having multiple specialized connection mechanisms, the connector serves as a universal mediator that accommodates different tracking array assemblies while maintaining tracking precision for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tracking array assemblies are used for different procedures, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent switching and setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural adaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking array assembly is pre-configured with the correct tracking elements and calibration data specific to each surgical procedure before the surgery begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex setup and calibration during the procedure, making switching between procedures faster and easier while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a sterile barrier is placed between the connector and tracking array assembly, then infection control is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection controlVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sterile barrier is merged with the connector assembly, forming an integrated component rather than a separate element. This integration ensures that the sterile barrier is automatically included whenever the connector is attached to the tracking array assembly, providing infection control without requiring additional assembly steps or actions from the surgical team.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12594130B2Robot array

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 DEPUY (IRELAND) LTD

AI summary

A surgical system, including: surgical robot; a connection member connected to the surgical robot; a drape; a plurality of tracking array assemblies configured to engage the connection member wherein the plurality of tracking array assemblies provide different fields of view for a tracking system and wherein the drape is configured to be placed between the connection member and the plurality of tracking array assemblies.