Multi-Color LED Indicator for Robotic Telesurgery State Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical instruments and telesurgical systems face limitations in communication and coordination among team members, leading to potential interruptions, delays, and mistakes during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical manipulator assembly with an indicator component, such as a multiple-color light emitting diode (LED) and translucent housing, is used to provide state or identity information, enhancing communication between the telesurgical system and team members, including a processor to control the LED indicators for clear signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to robotic manipulators for team communication, then communication effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using multi-color LED indicators that display different colors (red, yellow, green, blue) to represent various operational states of the robotic manipulator. This allows the system to communicate multiple types of information using a single visual indicator component, improving communication effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator section is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can display multiple operational states (ready, occupied, fault conditions, tool types) using a single assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate indicators while comprehensively communicating manipulator status to the surgical team.
2Loss of information
If multiple-color LED indicators are used to display various manipulator states, then information communication improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple indicator functions into a single multi-color LED assembly. Instead of using separate indicators for different states (ready, occupied, fault, tool type), the system combines these into one indicator section that uses color variations to convey all necessary information, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to multiple discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses color changes as a compact information encoding method. A single multi-color LED can represent multiple states through different colors, reducing the number of physical components needed and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive state communication capability.
3Reliability
If indicator sections are integrated on each manipulator assembly, then real-time status visibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by placing independent indicator sections on each manipulator assembly rather than having a centralized indicator system. This allows each manipulator to independently display its own operational state, providing real-time status visibility for multiple components without requiring complex centralized control and wiring for the indicator system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each manipulator assembly is equipped with its own indicator section that automatically displays its operational state without requiring external intervention or complex centralized control. The indicator serves itself by directly reflecting the manipulator's internal state through color changes, reducing system complexity while improving status visibility.
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
Facilitates improved communication and reduces errors by providing clear, visually identifiable signals for tool changes and system status, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of telesurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator section including a multiple-color light emitting diode (LED) and a translucent housing
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical manipulator assembly comprises a manipulator movably supporting a tool holder and an indicator section operably coupled to the manipulator for indicating state or identity information. The indicator section includes a multiple-color light emitting diode (LED) and a first fastener for operably coupling a second fastener of a sterile drape used to substantially cover the surgical manipulator assembly.