Manual Drive Mechanism for Robotic Surgical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems lack a reliable mechanism for manual actuation of surgical tools, which can be critical in emergency situations or when power is lost, and existing systems do not provide intuitive hand movements for minimally invasive procedures, leading to potential inefficiencies and complications.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool design featuring a drive housing with a spline and lead screw mechanism, allowing manual actuation through a ring gear and carriage system, enabling manual control of end effectors such as jaws, and integration with robotic systems for enhanced precision and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic systems with motors and actuators are used to control end effectors, then automation and precision are improved, but reliability is worsened due to dependency on power and electronic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manual override mechanism as an intermediary system that can take control of the end effector when the automated robotic system fails. This manual mechanism includes hand cranks and gear systems that directly actuate the end effector without requiring electronic motors or power, serving as a backup when the automated system becomes unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates manual actuation mechanisms beforehand as a preventive measure against power failure or system malfunction. The manual override system is pre-installed and ready to immediately take control of the end effector when the automated system fails, cushioning against the harmful effects of power loss without requiring any additional actions or preparations during the emergency.
2Reliability
If manual actuation mechanisms are added to robotic tools, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manual actuation mechanism with the existing robotic tool structure. The hand cranks and gear systems are integrated into the handle assembly, sharing common components such as the end effector coupling and drive shafts. This merging approach allows the manual override to benefit from the existing mechanical framework, reducing the need for entirely separate mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional open surgical devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but scarring and recovery time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surgical system into a robotic end effector for precision work and a separate manual override mechanism for backup control. This segmentation allows the primary robotic system to perform minimally invasive procedures with reduced tissue trauma, while the manual override remains as a separate backup system that only activates if needed, thus maintaining the benefits of both minimally invasive surgery and operational reliability.
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 reliable manual operation of surgical tools, enhances precision and control during minimally invasive procedures, and provides a backup mechanism in case of power loss, improving procedural efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a ring gear rotatable about the frame and operatively coupled to the spline coupling such that rotation of the ring gear about the frame correspondingly actuates the spline
Implementation Method 2
a lead screw extending between the first and second ends, the carriage being movably mountable to the lead screw at a carriage nut
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manually operating a robotic surgical tool includes positioning the robotic surgical tool adjacent a patient, the robotic surgical tool including a drive housing having opposing first and second ends, a spline extending between the first and second ends, a carriage arranged within the drive housing and movable between the first and second ends, and a manual actuation mechanism arranged at the first or second end and including a frame, a spline coupling rotatably mounted to the frame to receive an end of the spline, and a ring gear rotatable about the frame and engageable with a pinion gear operatively coupled to the spline coupling. The method further including grasping the robotic surgical tool and manually rotating the ring gear, and driving the ring gear against the pinion gear and thereby rotating the spline to manually actuate a function of the robotic surgical tool.