Magnetic Robotic Arm Latch for Rigid Surgical Table Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical robotic systems face challenges with heavy and cumbersome robotic arms that require complex and time-consuming removal from surgical tables, often necessitating special tools and resulting in poor system performance due to flexible connections.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latch system using a permanent magnet and canceling coil for secure coupling and easy detachment of robotic arms from surgical tables, eliminating the need for special tools and reducing weight by distributing components between the arm and table links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional holding mechanisms (bolts, flexible components) are used to connect the robotic arm to the surgical table, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the robotic arm becomes heavy and cumbersome, requiring special tools and multiple users for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical holding mechanisms (bolts, flexible components) with a magnetic field-based connection system. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, creating a secure connection without mechanical fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for special tools and complex release mechanisms, allowing simple manual removal by pulling the robotic arm away from the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. By using magnetic field strength as the connection parameter instead of mechanical fastening, the system achieves both secure connection during surgery and easy removal by simply overcoming the magnetic force through pulling, without requiring tool-assisted release mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the end of the robotic arm is made heavy with heavy materials to support the remainder of the arm, then the arm is stable and can support its structure, but the entire robotic arm becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and ferromagnetic plate as a counterbalancing force to support the robotic arm's structure. Instead of relying on heavy materials at the arm's end to provide structural support, the magnetic force acts as a counterweight that holds the arm stable during surgery, allowing the arm to be constructed with lighter materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for heavy structural materials with a magnetic field-based support system. The permanent magnet's magnetic field provides the necessary holding force to support the robotic arm's weight and maintain stability, eliminating the requirement for heavy counterbalancing materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible components are used in the connection to provide degrees of freedom, then the arm can move and adjust position, but the connection becomes less rigid and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the robotic arm can be easily attached and detached from the surgical table. The magnetic connection provides a rigid, stable connection during surgery when needed, and allows quick release when the arm needs to be repositioned or removed, offering dynamic adaptability without compromising connection rigidity during operation.
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
Enables effortless addition and removal of robotic arms with a rigid connection, reducing handling difficulties and improving system performance by eliminating the need for special tools and minimizing weight, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet, which produces a first magnetic field and that attracts the ferromagnetic plate
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic latch includes a ferromagnetic plate (e.g., a steel plate) and the permanent magnet, which produces a first magnetic field and that attracts the ferromagnetic plate
Implementation Method 3
the coil produces a second magnetic field that opposes the first magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
a canceling coil (e.g., an electromagnet), that allows a user to uncouple the robotic arm from the surgical table
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical robotic system that includes a surgical table that is configured to hold a patient and a magnetic latch. The magnetic latch has a ferromagnetic plate, a permanent magnet that produces a first magnetic field and that attracts the ferromagnetic plate to thereby couple a robotic arm to the surgical table, and a cancelling coil, which when energized, produces a second magnetic field that opposes the first magnetic field to thereby uncouple the robotic arm from the surgical table.