Modular Electrosurgical Arm Switching Monopolar Bipolar Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-surgical systems lack the ability to seamlessly switch between monopolar and bipolar modes without requiring tool removal or additional components, limiting their versatility and efficiency in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrosurgical system with a surgical mechanical arm that includes a motor unit and a tool configured to operate in both monopolar and bipolar modes, allowing for easy switching between operational modes without detaching the arm from the motor unit, using a system of actuators and electrical pathways to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrosurgical tool is designed to support both monopolar and bipolar modes, then versatility and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical tool is designed with a universal structure that supports both monopolar and bipolar operational modes. The tool includes a handle with a monopolar electrode and a shaft with bipolar electrodes, allowing the same physical device to perform both types of electrosurgery by switching electrical connections rather than requiring separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures its electrical pathways based on the selected operational mode. A switching mechanism within the handpiece dynamically connects or disconnects electrical pathways between the generator and different electrode configurations, allowing the tool to adapt its functionality in real-time without physical changes to the tool structure.
2Productivity
If separate tools are used for monopolar and bipolar procedures, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical tool is designed with a universal structure that supports both monopolar and bipolar operational modes. The tool includes a handle with a monopolar electrode and a shaft with bipolar electrodes, allowing the same physical device to perform both types of electrosurgery by switching electrical connections rather than requiring separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous surgical action by allowing seamless switching between monopolar and bipolar modes without requiring tool removal or replacement. The generator and handpiece remain connected throughout, and the switching mechanism enables mode transitions without interrupting the surgical workflow or requiring repositioning of the tool.
3Ease of operation
If a switching mechanism is integrated into the handpiece, then mode switching becomes seamless, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is merged with the handpiece structure, integrating the electrical switching components directly into the existing handpiece assembly. This combination allows mode switching to occur within the handpiece itself rather than requiring external switching devices or complex external wiring configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system comprising: a plurality of modular units, each unit comprising: a motor unit; and a surgical mechanical arm actuated by, connected to and supplied with electrosurgical power by the motor unit; and a memory configured to store a selected electrosurgical operational mode for each of the plurality of modular units.