Modular Electrosurgical Capsule for Robotic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgery systems face challenges in efficiently delivering electrosurgical energy to tissues with minimal energy loss and require separate equipment for electrosurgery, which occupies space and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electrosurgical module integrated with robotic arms that generates radiofrequency or microwave energy using the arm's internal power supply, reducing energy loss and eliminating the need for separate generators, and allowing for modular interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate electrosurgical generator is used, then electrosurgical functionality is provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrosurgical generator functionality directly into the robotic arm system. The generator is integrated within the robotic arm structure, allowing electrosurgical operations to be performed without requiring a separate standalone generator. This merging reduces overall system complexity and eliminates the need for additional separate equipment while maintaining full electrosurgical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system is designed to perform multiple functions including both mechanical manipulation and electrosurgical operations. By integrating the generator into the robotic arm, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single device can provide both robotic control and electrosurgical energy delivery, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate electrosurgical generator is used, then electrosurgical functionality is provided, but operating theater space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical generator is merged with the robotic arm system, eliminating the need for a separate stationary generator unit in the operating theater. The generator is compact and integrated within the robotic arm structure, significantly reducing the space occupation compared to traditional standalone generators while maintaining electrosurgical functionality.
3Power
If electrosurgical energy is delivered through a long path, then energy can be transmitted, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is extracted from its traditional distant position and relocated directly into the robotic arm system. This extraction and repositioning of the generator minimizes the transmission path length for electrosurgical energy, reducing energy losses and improving power delivery efficiency to the surgical site.
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
This solution reduces energy loss, saves space in the operating theater, and allows for cost-effective implementation of electrosurgical functions across multiple robotic arms without the need for additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Water molecules have a permanent electric dipole moment, meaning that a charge imbalance exists across the molecule. This charge imbalance causes the molecules to move in response to the forces generated by application of a time varying electric field as the molecules rotate to align their electric dipole moment with the polarity of the applied field. At microwave frequencies, rapid molecular oscillations result in frictional heating and consequential dissipation of the field energy in the form of heat.
Implementation Method 2
biological tissue is largely composed of water. Human soft organ tissue is typically between 70% and 80% water content. Water molecules have a permanent electric dipole moment... At microwave frequencies, rapid molecular oscillations result in frictional heating and consequential dissipation of the field energy in the form of heat.
Implementation Method 3
The method of cutting using RF energy operates using the principle that as an electric current passes through a tissue matrix (aided by the ionic contents of the cells and the intercellular electrolytes), the impedance to the flow of electrons across the tissue generates heat.
Implementation Method 4
The applied voltage then appears almost entirely across this void which ionises as a result, forming a plasma, which has a very high volume resistivity compared to tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot-assisted surgical system in which apparatus for providing electrosurgical functionality is directly mountable on or integrated within a robotic arm. The apparatus may be a detachable module or capsule, which may be movable between different robotic arms in the same environment. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of modules, each providing a different treatment modality. Depending on the procedure to be performed, a different module or combination of modules may be selected and mounted on one or more robotic arms.