Manual Release Assembly for Robotic Tool Articulation Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems lack a failsafe mechanism to manually override the articulation of end effectors in case of electrical disruptions, which can render them inoperable, posing risks during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A manual release assembly is integrated into the surgical tool, allowing a user to manually articulate the end effector by sliding a release switch along a longitudinal axis, overriding the cable-driven system to open the jaws and safely remove the tool from the patient proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robotic surgical system operates based on electricity with cable-driven motion control, then precise articulation of the end effector is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to electrical disruptions that can render it inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
A manual release assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the cable-driven system. When electrical disruption occurs, the user can manually manipulate the release assembly to directly move the drive cables, bypassing the electrical control system and maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from electrical actuation to manual mechanical actuation by changing the control parameter from electrical signals to direct physical manipulation of the release assembly, allowing continuous operation during electrical failures
2Reliability
If a manual release mechanism is added to the surgical tool, then failsafe capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a failsafe mechanism during electrical disruptions, provides a backup control method, and enables manual adjustment of the end effector. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single added component
Solution Approach 2:
The release assembly is divided into separate functional components including a release lever, cable engagement mechanism, and positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of manufacture
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical tool includes a drive housing that houses a plurality of drive cable capstans, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A plurality of drive cables extend between the drive housing and the end effector, wherein each drive cable is associated with a corresponding drive cable capstan and rotation of the drive cable capstans correspondingly moves the drive cables to articulate the end effector. A manual release assembly is coupled to the drive housing and includes a release switch that is manually movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When the release switch is manually moved to the engaged position, the drive cable capstans are rotated to move the drive cables and thereby manually articulate the end effector.