Meshing Toothed Connection Between Instrument Drive and Sterile Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing single point connection method between instrument drives and sterile adapters in surgical robots results in gaps that affect torque transmission reliability and require multiple alignment steps, leading to instability and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A meshing toothed structure is employed for the connection between the instrument drive and sterile adapter, allowing for a tight fit without gaps, ensuring stable and accurate torque transmission through symmetrical teeth and guiding surfaces that facilitate easy alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single point connection method is used between instrument drive and sterile adapter, then the assembly process is simple, but torque transmission reliability deteriorates due to gaps and transmission clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple engagement points (first engagement point, second engagement point, third engagement point) distributed around the circumference, replacing the single point connection. This segmentation allows torque to be transmitted through multiple contact points simultaneously, eliminating the need for large alignment gaps while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method transitions from a single-point (0D) or line-contact (1D) connection to a multi-point distributed connection around the circumferential direction. This dimensional expansion from a single engagement location to multiple engagement locations around the circumference enables simultaneous multi-point contact, improving torque transmission reliability without compromising assembly ease.
2Device complexity
If a single point connection method is used, then the structure is simple, but assembly reliability deteriorates due to required alignment gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple engagement points (first, second, and third engagement points) positioned at different circumferential locations. This segmentation creates multiple contact zones that collectively provide robust torque transmission and assembly reliability without requiring complex alignment procedures or large gaps between components.
3Reliability
If multiple engagement points are used in the connection structure, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement points (first, second, and third engagement points) are merged into a single integrated connection structure where the protrusion and recess features work together as a unified system. This merging approach achieves reliable multi-point torque transmission without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity, as the engagement points are combined within a cohesive design framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a transmission and connection structure including an instrument drive and a sterile adapter, and a surgical robot. The instrument drive includes a transmission and connection member for the instrument drive. The transmission and connection member for the instrument drive has a first connection end configured to be coupled to the sterile adapter, and the first connection end is provided with a first toothed portion. The sterile adapter includes a transmission and connection member for the sterile adapter, the transmission and connection member for the sterile adapter has a second connection end configured to be coupled to the first connection end of the instrument drive, and the second connection end is provided with a second toothed portion. The second toothed portion is configured to engage with the first toothed portion.