Linear Lock Adjustable Arm Support for Surgical Robot Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical robotic systems require an adjustable arm support to accommodate varying user sizes and positions, reducing fatigue and improving precision during long-term teleoperation, while maintaining ergonomic comfort and workspace alignment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable arm support system with linear and rotational adjustments, featuring a locking mechanism that allows for customizable positioning without electronic inputs, using a cam profile and detents to tune holding force and angles, and providing haptic feedback for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an adjustable arm support system is implemented to accommodate varying user sizes and positions, then user comfort and precision are improved, but device complexity increases due to linear and rotational adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support system implements dynamic adjustability through linear and rotational movement capabilities, allowing the support to adapt to different user sizes and positions. The linear actuator enables depth adjustment while the pivot joint provides angular adjustment, creating a dynamically adaptable support structure that maintains ergonomic alignment across varying operational conditions.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain positioned arm support, then stability and precision are improved, but device complexity and force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously by detecting when the arm support reaches a desired position and automatically engages to maintain that position. The system uses force sensors to monitor positioning status and triggers the locking mechanism without requiring additional user input, thereby providing self-service functionality that enhances stability while minimizing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear and rotational adjustments are enabled for customizable positioning, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates force sensors that provide real-time feedback on the arm support's position and the forces applied during adjustment. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to monitor adjustment progress and automatically determine when optimal positioning is achieved, reducing the need for multiple manual adjustment steps and simplifying the overall operation while maintaining high adaptability.
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 adjustable arm support system enhances user comfort and precision by accommodating different user sizes and positions, reducing fatigue, and maintaining ergonomic alignment, thereby improving long-term performance and accuracy during teleoperation.
Implementation Method 1
using a cam profile and detents to tune holding force and angles, and providing haptic feedback for precise adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable arm support for a surgical robotic system, the arm support comprising: a fixed armrest portion that is fixedly coupled to a console seat of the surgical robotic system; and an adjustable armrest portion that is adjustably coupled to the fixed armrest portion, the adjustable armrest portion.