Manual Release Tool for Narrow Robotic Motor Gear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in manually actuating gears within compact and intricate motor units due to limited space and the risk of damaging delicate electronics.
Innovation Solution
A manual release tool with a narrow distal end and a knob for rotating gears, allowing force transmission through an axially oriented rod, and optionally featuring a holder for secure placement, markers for alignment, and a motor for actuation, designed to fit within narrow slots of the motor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual release tool is designed to access gears within the motor unit, then the ability to manually actuate gears is improved, but the risk of damaging delicate electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a holder portion for secure attachment, a gear engagement portion with teeth for gear interaction, and an actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while minimizing interference with other components, particularly electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear engagement portion is designed to extract or isolate the mechanical actuation function from the electronic components. By providing a dedicated mechanical interface that engages directly with the gear, the tool bypasses electronic systems entirely, eliminating the risk of electronic damage while achieving manual actuation.
2Volume of moving object
If the manual release tool is made compact to fit within narrow slots, then the space constraints are improved, but the force transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder portion is designed to extend beyond the immediate gear engagement area to provide additional leverage and mechanical advantage. This excessive extension of the holder allows a user to apply greater force over a larger moment arm, compensating for the compact size of the tool body and ensuring sufficient force transmission to actuate the gear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal end is made narrow to access tight spaces, then the adaptability to narrow slots is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool exhibits asymmetric geometry with a narrow distal end for accessing tight spaces and a wider proximal holder portion for structural strength and user handling. This asymmetric design allows the tool to be inserted into narrow slots while maintaining sufficient strength in the holder region to transmit actuation forces without bending or breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear engagement portion with its teeth structure is effectively nested within the overall tool body. The teeth are positioned at the distal end where space is constrained, while the holder portion provides the structural framework. This nesting allows the tool to access narrow spaces with the engagement teeth while the broader holder maintains structural integrity.
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 safe and effective manual actuation of gears in robotic surgical systems, overcoming space constraints and protecting delicate electronics while providing versatile operation and storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
force is transmitted by said knob to said at least one first gear using an axially oriented rod; said force being converted into rotation of said at least one first gear perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said body
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a manual release tool configured for manually rotating a gear of a motor unit of a motorized robotic system, comprising a body, a knob rotatable around an axis of the body and located on a proximal side of said body and a distal end of said body being narrower than said knob and comprising at least one first gear protruding axially from said distal end; said at least one first gear configured to operatively interact with at least one second gear of said motor unit of said motorized robotic system; where force is transmitted in a plane of said narrow distal end of said body by rotation of said at least one first gear in said plane.