Magnetic Lateral Movement Detection in Robotic Surgery Hand Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic surgery systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently translating operator inputs into precise movements of surgical tools within a body cavity, particularly in detecting lateral movements and controlling the opening and closing of surgical tools.

Innovation Solution

A hand controller apparatus with a control lever attached to a pivot joint, featuring a lateral movement detector that magnetically or inductively senses the movement of the lever, allowing for precise control of surgical tool movements and functions such as suturing, cutting, and camera operations through a processor that interprets various operator inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a control lever with lateral movement detection is added to the hand controller, then the precision of surgical tool control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral movement detection precisionVSAvoidhand controller structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement detection mechanisms with magnetic field-based detection systems. The lateral movement detector uses magnetic fields to sense the position and movement of the control lever, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and sensors while achieving high precision measurement of lateral movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control lever and the detection system. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that transfers the mechanical movement information to the lateral movement detector, enabling non-contact measurement and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input controls are integrated into the hand controller, then the versatility of surgical tool control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical tool control versatilityVSAvoidoperator input complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the hand controller to perform multiple functions through a unified interface. The control lever and lateral movement detector work together to provide both positional control and functional control (opening/closing) through a single intuitive mechanism, allowing one operator input to control multiple aspects of surgical tool operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control mechanism. The control lever integrates both positional control (lateral movement for tool positioning) and functional control (opening/closing motion), merging what could have been separate controls into one cohesive interface that maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise and intuitive control of surgical tools, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of robotic surgery by accurately translating operator inputs into corresponding tool movements and functions, thereby improving surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240350218A1Hand controller apparatus for detecting input position in a robotic surgery system

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 CONAVI MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body with a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control the tool. The hand controller apparatus can also include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The hand controller apparatus can additionally include a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever.