Laparoscope Mount Detection Using Infrared Trigger Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of microswitches for laparoscope mounting in surgical robots leads to reduced service life, increased friction, and occupation of operating space, affecting the usability and operating experience of the surgical robot.

Innovation Solution

A laparoscope drive system with a trigger assembly and state detector that uses infrared light reflection to determine the mounting state of the laparoscope without direct contact, ensuring efficient rotation and reducing friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a microswitch is used to detect laparoscope mounting, then the mounting state can be detected, but the service life of the microswitch is reduced and the mounting space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting detection reliabilityVSAvoidmicroswitch service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical microswitch detection system with an optical detection system using infrared sensors. The infrared sensor detects the presence or absence of the laparoscope by sensing infrared radiation without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and extending service life while maintaining reliable mounting detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an infrared sensor as an intermediary detection element that indirectly senses the mounting state through infrared radiation detection rather than direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach allows reliable detection while avoiding the limitations of direct mechanical switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a microswitch is used for mounting detection, then the mounting state can be detected, but the operating space of the laparoscope is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting detection reliabilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical microswitch structure with a compact optical infrared sensor system. This substitution reduces the physical space required for mounting detection while maintaining the ability to reliably detect the mounting state through non-contact infrared sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of moving object

If a dedicated mechanical structure is added to trigger the microswitch, then the axial space can be reduced, but the conversion efficiency of the rotation structure decreases and friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial spaceVSAvoidrotation conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for dedicated mechanical triggering structures by using an optical infrared detection system. This removes the additional friction and mechanical complexity that would reduce rotation conversion efficiency, while the infrared sensor can be positioned compactly to minimize axial space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a microswitch is used for mounting detection, then the mounting state can be detected, but the overall usability and operating experience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting detection reliabilityVSAvoidoperating experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical microswitch system with an optical infrared detection system that provides more reliable and consistent mounting detection. This improvement in detection reliability directly enhances the overall operating experience by reducing false detections and improving system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system maintains high conversion efficiency and prevents stuttering during laparoscope insertion and removal, enhancing the usability and operating experience of the surgical robot.

Implementation Method 1

uses infrared light reflection to determine the mounting state of the laparoscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared light reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4696215A1Laparoscope drive system, laparoscope installation detection method, and surgical robot
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 RONOVO (SHANGHAI) MEDICAL SCI & TECH LTD
  • EP4696215A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696215A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696215A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are a laparoscope drive system, a laparoscope mounting detection method, and a surgical robot, which belong to the technical field of medical devices. The laparoscope drive system includes a base plate, a drive unit, a sterile barrier, a trigger assembly, and a state detector. The sterile barrier is configured for mounting a laparoscope; the drive unit drives the laparoscope to rotate via the sterile barrier; the trigger assembly is disposed in the sterile barrier and selectively abuts against the laparoscope, and the trigger assembly has a first state and a second state; and the state detector is configured to detect state information of the trigger assembly to determine a mounted state of the laparoscope.