Laparoscopic Simulator Handpiece With Ball-Trocar Motion Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laparoscopic simulation input devices have complex mechanics, realization difficulties, and unreliable displacement measurements due to inefficient couplings and indirect rotation detection, leading to high construction and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

An input device with simplified mechanics using ball-trocar structures constrained by elastic tie rods, combined with sensor systems like magnetometers and gyroscopes, to accurately measure and simulate laparoscopic instrument movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanical couplings are used to connect moving parts in laparoscopic simulation devices, then the device can simulate rod movements, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with a spherical joint mechanism that simplifies the connection between moving parts. The spherical joint allows for straightforward rotational and translational movements without requiring elaborate mechanical linkages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining simulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components including a separate spherical joint, rod, and handle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty and enabling easier maintenance and repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If indirect rotation detection methods are used, then the device structure can be simplified, but measurement precision of rod rotation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidrotation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical markers as intermediaries on the rod surface to enable direct and accurate rotation detection. These markers serve as reference points for sensors, allowing precise measurement of rod rotation without requiring complex sensor systems, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-uniform displacement movements occur during rod insertion/extraction, then realistic surgical simulation is achieved, but sensor reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement simulation realismVSAvoidsensor value reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor rod displacement and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback allows the system to compensate for non-uniform movements and maintain reliable measurement values even during realistic surgical simulations with variable motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device offers lower production and maintenance costs, improved accuracy, and wider accessibility with comparable precision, mimicking tissue behavior and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

appropriate sensors, for example a linear potentiometer that detects the linear displacement of the rod being advanced and moved backward, an encoder that detects its rotation with respect to its longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

spherical wrists with encoder, the computer system of the input device, which cooperates operationally with these sensors, stores the coordinates of the different positions that the end of the rod assumes in space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS12512015B2Input device for the simulation of laparoscopic operations

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 BBZ

AI summary

An input device for the simulation of laparoscopic operations in a real or virtual environment includes: two handpieces, each having: a rod having the end adapted to simulate a laparoscopic instrument; a handle manoeuvrable by an operator applied to the rod; a trocar provided with a through hole in which the rod is inserted; a support frame provided with two seats each of which accommodates a trocar; and a sensor configured to control the movements of each trocar and of each rod. An elastic member stably constrains each trocar inside the respective seat and is configured to allow the rotation of each trocar for orienting the longitudinal axis with respect to the plane of the support frame with reference to a triad of reference axes (x, y, z) having the origin coincident with the centre of each trocar.