Parallel-Link Manipulator Arm Covers for Sterile Surgery Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manipulator arms used in clean surgery areas face challenges with the generation and release of foreign matter due to sliding covers, which compromise the sterility of the surgical environment.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator arm design featuring parallel links with covers placed on the same link, minimizing sliding and reducing gaps between covers, thereby inhibiting the release of foreign matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding covers are used to protect the actuator and links, then the components are protected from contamination, but foreign matter is generated and released due to sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having covers slide over each other (cover over cover), the patent inverts the structure by attaching both covers to the same link, making them move together without relative sliding. This eliminates the sliding friction that generates foreign matter while maintaining protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the attachment points of both covers to the same link (first link), so that they move as a unified system. This combining of attachment locations eliminates the sliding interface between covers, preventing foreign matter generation while maintaining protection.
2Reliability
If covers are placed on different links to protect components, then protection is provided, but gaps between covers allow foreign matter to be released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment locations of both covers to the same link, ensuring they move together and maintain consistent positioning. This eliminates gaps between covers that would otherwise allow foreign matter to escape, while still providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing covers on different links (conventional approach), the patent inverts this by attaching both to the same link. This inversion ensures the covers remain aligned and gap-free, preventing foreign matter release while maintaining protection.
3Reliability
If multiple covers are used to protect the actuator and links, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment strategy by attaching both covers to the same link rather than distributing them across multiple links. This simplifies the overall structure and reduces complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage through coordinated movement of the covers.
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator arm includes a parallel link, an actuator, and first and second covers. The parallel link includes first and second end members spaced apart from each other, a first link attached to the first end member at a first position and to the second end member at a second position, and a second link attached to the first end member at a first position and attached to the second end member at a second position, the first link being parallel to the second link. The actuator is attached to the first end member at a first actuator position and attached to the second end member at a second actuator position. The first cover is on the first link and covers at least the actuator, and the second cover is on the first link and covers at least the second link and the actuator.