Modular Surgical Hub Coupling Safety Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy delivery and fluid lines during procedures, leading to entanglement and time loss in surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical hub with integrated generator modules and a unified environment for power, data, and fluid lines, allowing quick removal and replacement of modules, and facilitating interactive communication between energy generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy generators and fluid lines are used in robotic surgical systems, then functional capability is improved, but entanglement and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides multiple energy generators and fluid lines into separate, modular cartridges that can be independently managed and attached to the robotic arm. Each cartridge contains specific components (e.g., RF generator, ultrasonic generator, fluid lines) that can be selectively attached or detached, preventing entanglement while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal coupling mechanism is implemented that can accommodate different types of energy generators and fluid line configurations through a single interface standard. This allows the robotic arm to handle multiple functional modules using the same attachment mechanism, simplifying operations while supporting diverse surgical capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are frequently removed and replaced during surgical procedures, then adaptability is improved, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridges are pre-assembled with all necessary energy generators, fluid lines, and connectors before the surgical procedure. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a cartridge needs to be replaced, the entire pre-configured module can be quickly attached without needing to assemble individual components during the procedure, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components (energy generators, fluid lines, connectors) are merged into single integrated cartridges. This consolidation allows all necessary components for a specific surgical function to be attached in one action rather than multiple separate attachment operations, reducing the time required for component replacement.
3Productivity
If integrated power, data, and fluid line management is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a nested structure where power cables, data lines, and fluid lines are hierarchically organized within cartridges, which are themselves attached to the robotic arm. This nesting allows integrated management of multiple utilities while maintaining a clean, organized structure that does not add significant external complexity to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter module is configured to be coupled to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system and a surgical instrument. The adapter module has a first interface configured to engage a second interface of the surgical instrument to removably secure the surgical instrument thereto. The adapter module further includes a sensor configured to detect whether the second interface is fully engaged with the first interface, and a control circuit coupled to the sensor. The control circuit is configured to monitor the sensor to determine an engagement status of the surgical instrument, and prevent activation of a component of the robotic surgical system in a disengaged status.