Modular Surgical Robot Tool Receivers for Rapid Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic surgical systems are limited in their flexibility and adaptability to different surgical procedures, often requiring complex setups and large footprints, which can interfere with surgical operations and complicate the use of imaging modalities.

Innovation Solution

A modular robotic surgical system comprising a base and interchangeable tool-receiver units, each unit independently attachable to the base via a coupling pair, allowing for quick configuration and reconfiguration based on the surgical procedure, with motor-driven movement of elongate surgical tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular robotic system with interchangeable tool-receiver units is used, then adaptability to different surgical procedures is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple coupling interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different surgical proceduresVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with multiple identical coupling pairs that can interface with different tool-receiver units, allowing the same base structure to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the attached tool unit, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable base and interchangeable tool-receiver units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system adaptability through their standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If multiple tool-receiver units are kept ready for interchange, then setup time for different procedures is reduced, but the area occupied by the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup time for different proceduresVSAvoidarea occupied by the system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Tool-receiver units are designed to be stored in a nested or compact arrangement near the base, minimizing the space required to house multiple interchangeable units while allowing rapid access and attachment during procedural transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If tool-receiver units are independently attachable and removable, then ease of operation and reconfiguration is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential attachment errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidreliability of tool attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling pairs incorporate mechanical or sensor-based feedback mechanisms that provide confirmation when a tool-receiver unit is properly attached to the base, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive attachment and detachment processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12369777B2Modular robotic system for driving movement of surgical tools

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 MICROBOT MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

A modular robotic surgical system comprising: a base; a plurality of tool-receivers arranged as separate units, each tool-receiver unit operable to move an elongate surgical tool received therein; a plurality of interface coupling pairs, each coupling pair comprising a first coupler as part of the base and a second coupler as part of each of the tool-receiver units; wherein each of the tool-receiver units is independently and interchangeably attachable to the base via the coupling pair.