Modular Surgical Tool Receivers for Fast Robotic Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems are cumbersome and inflexible, requiring complex setups and often interfering with surgical equipment, while lacking the ability to adapt to different procedures efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular robotic surgical system with interchangeable tool-receiver units that can be easily assembled and configured based on the surgical procedure, utilizing a base with motors and couplers for precise tool manipulation, allowing for compact size and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then surgical tool manipulation is achieved, but the systems are cumbersome and inflexible requiring complex setups
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into separate modular units: a base unit containing motors and drive mechanisms, and interchangeable tool-receiver units containing surgical tools. Each unit can be independently assembled and configured, simplifying the setup process while maintaining full functional capability. The modular architecture allows surgeons to select only the units needed for specific procedures, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability where tool-receiver units can be quickly attached, detached, and repositioned on the base during procedures. The coupling mechanism allows for rapid changes in system configuration without complex disassembly procedures, enabling the system to adapt to different surgical needs while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then surgical tool manipulation is achieved, but they interfere with surgical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the surgical tools into distinct tool-receiver units that can be independently positioned on the base, the system minimizes the footprint of any single unit and reduces interference with other surgical equipment. Each unit can be strategically placed to avoid conflicts with imaging devices, monitors, and other surgical instruments while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfigurability of the system allows tool-receiver units to be repositioned or removed when they interfere with surgical equipment or when different procedures require different configurations. This flexibility enables the system to adapt to various surgical scenarios without causing interference, maintaining versatility while eliminating harmful effects.
3Productivity
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then surgical tool manipulation is achieved, but setup and configuration changes take time
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture with pre-assembled tool-receiver units allows for rapid configuration changes. Units can be pre-configured with specific tools and then quickly attached to the base during procedures, eliminating time-consuming assembly operations. This segmentation enables surgeons to switch between different surgical configurations in minutes rather than hours, significantly improving procedure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Tool-receiver units are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-configured with appropriate surgical tools before procedures. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly during critical surgical moments, allowing for rapid deployment and configuration changes that maintain high productivity throughout the procedure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with interchangeable units is used, then adaptability to different procedures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of tool-receiver units through standardized coupling mechanisms. This universality allows a single base to support various surgical tools and configurations without requiring complex custom integration for each procedure type, maintaining system simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the system into standardized modular units with uniform interface protocols, the complexity of managing different configurations is reduced. Each unit follows the same attachment and integration protocols, simplifying the cognitive load on users while enabling versatile procedural adaptations. The segmentation creates a manageable architecture where complexity is distributed across simple, standardized components rather than concentrated in complex integration systems.
Data Source
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.