Modular Controller Modules for Robotic Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic medical devices have complex integral control modules that require time-consuming and costly maintenance, often necessitating the removal and replacement of multiple electronic components, which can extend surgical procedures and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular medical device platform with separate controller modules, each with a module connector and locking mechanism, allowing for easy identification and replacement of faulty components, reducing maintenance time and costs by enabling targeted updates and simplifying production workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If integral control modules are used in robotic medical devices, then device functionality is integrated and compact, but maintenance time and cost increase significantly when electronic components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into separate functional components: a processor, memory device, and electronic component tray. Each component can be independently accessed, inspected, or replaced. The electronic component tray specifically can be removed without affecting other parts of the control module, enabling targeted maintenance of only the failed component rather than requiring disassembly of the entire integrated module.
2Device complexity
If integral control modules are used in robotic medical devices, then device functionality is integrated and compact, but repair and refurbishment become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into separate functional components: a processor, memory device, and electronic component tray. Each component can be independently accessed, inspected, or replaced. The electronic component tray specifically can be removed without affecting other parts of the control module, enabling targeted maintenance of only the failed component rather than requiring disassembly of the entire integrated module.
3Strength
If control modules are secured with time-consuming fastening means or located in inaccessible locations, then device structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component tray is designed with movable features that transition between locked and unlocked states. The tray includes a movable portion that can be shifted from a locked position (where it is securely attached to the control module) to an unlocked position (where it can be easily removed). This dynamic design allows the tray to be both structurally secure during operation and easily accessible during maintenance.
4Reliability
If functional failures occur during surgical procedures requiring control module replacement, then device reliability is maintained, but surgical procedure length increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into separate functional components: a processor, memory device, and electronic component tray. Each component can be independently accessed, inspected, or replaced. The electronic component tray specifically can be removed without affecting other parts of the control module, enabling targeted maintenance of only the failed component rather than requiring disassembly of the entire integrated module.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic component tray is pre-configured with mounting features and connection interfaces that align with corresponding structures on the control module. This preliminary design of the tray's attachment mechanism allows for quick engagement and disengagement during maintenance events, minimizing the time required to replace electronic components during surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular medical device platform can include a chassis forming a plurality of rack bays each including a pair of drawer slides, a plurality of controller modules each including a drawer enclosure including flanges couplable to the pair of drawer slides with the rack bay of the plurality of rack bays, and a plurality of module locks affixed to the chassis and aligned with each rack bay of the plurality of rack bays. Each module lock of the plurality of module locks can include an electrical connector and a locking mechanism adapted to automatically lock a controller module of the plurality of controller modules as the controller module is slid into the rack bay on the pair of drawer slides.