Modular User Input Devices for Robotic Surgical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems lack intuitive and flexible user input devices that allow for precise control of surgical instruments, often requiring operators to use the same input devices for various equipment, which can complicate procedures and increase training time.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular user input devices with wireless communication capabilities and position sensing assemblies, allowing for intuitive control of surgical instruments through movement and rotation, with options such as egg-shaped, pistol grip, and shears-style designs, enabling precise control and integration with robotic surgical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same user input devices are used to control various surgical equipment, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive and specialized controls for different instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is divided into separate user input devices, each dedicated to controlling specific surgical equipment. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its intended function while maintaining overall system organization through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different user input devices are designed with specialized controls tailored to specific surgical instruments. Each device has locally optimized features such as shaped handles, buttons, and interfaces that match the operational requirements of particular surgical equipment, improving ease of operation without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If multiple specialized user input devices are provided for different surgical equipment, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user input devices are designed with universal features that allow them to interface with multiple types of surgical equipment. Standardized connection protocols and adaptable control mechanisms enable a single device design to serve multiple functions across different surgical instruments, reducing the need for entirely separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow user input devices to be selectively connected and disconnected from different surgical equipment. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt its complexity level based on procedural needs, providing specialized controls when required while maintaining simplicity when not needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If physical attachment of user input devices to control assembly is maintained, then system stability improves, but adaptability deteriorates when different surgical equipment requires different control configurations
Solution Approach 1:
User input devices are designed with nested connection capabilities that allow them to be securely attached to the control assembly when needed while maintaining the option for disconnection. The nested design provides stable physical attachment during use while preserving system adaptability for different surgical equipment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system between user input devices and control assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than permanently fixed. This allows the physical attachment to be established for stability during surgical procedures while enabling reconfiguration or removal when different equipment or procedural requirements arise.
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
These user input devices enhance operational efficiency by allowing operators to control surgical instruments with greater precision and familiarity, reducing training time and improving procedural accuracy through intuitive and adaptable interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
position sensing assemblies, allowing for intuitive control of surgical instruments through movement and rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surgical system includes a robotic surgical assembly and a control assembly. The robotic surgical assembly includes a robotic actuation assembly, a processing device, and a first communication device. The robotic actuation assembly includes a robotic arm. The processing device is configured to instruct the robotic actuation assembly to perform a task based on a set of instructions. The first communication device is operable to transfer the set of instructions to the processing device. The control assembly includes a second communication device and a user input device. The second communication device is operable to communicate the set of instructions to the first communication device. The user input device assembly is configured to generate the set of instructions and send the set of instruction to the second communication device. At least a portion of the instructions are based on positioning of the user input device within three-dimensional space.