Modular Surgical Training Interface for Realistic Tactile Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical training devices fail to replicate the sensory conditions and flexibility of real surgical procedures, and are limited to simulating specific procedures, requiring complex and costly adjustments for different pathologies.

Innovation Solution

A training device with a modular enclosure featuring moveable surfaces and adjustable openings, sheaths, and sensory feedback mechanisms to mimic real surgical conditions, allowing simulation of multiple procedures with enhanced adaptability and realism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed openings are arranged in a housing for specific surgical procedures, then the device can simulate specific procedures, but the device complexity increases and cost rises when replacing the housing for different pathologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate different surgical proceduresVSAvoidcomplexity of replacing housing for different pathologies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a fixed base and a moveable first surface that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the opening positions to be adjusted without replacing the entire housing structure, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility for different surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first surface is made moveable relative to the base, transforming the static opening positions into dynamic, adjustable positions. This allows the same device to adapt to different surgical procedures by repositioning the surface rather than replacing the entire housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional training devices are used, then surgeons can practice procedures, but the sensory conditions do not match real surgical operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of sensory feedbackVSAvoidsimplicity of device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface uses an elastomer material that can be selected based on its Young's modulus to match the mechanical properties of real surgical tissues. This parameter adjustment allows the device to replicate realistic sensory feedback while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rigid connection interfaces are used for openings, then the device structure is simple, but the sensory feedback does not match real surgical conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of sensory replicationVSAvoidcomplexity of connection interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface uses an elastomer material whose mechanical properties (Young's modulus) can be selected to match real surgical tissues, providing accurate sensory feedback without requiring complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface combines the elastomer material with the rigid housing structure, creating a composite system that provides both structural support and realistic tactile feedback through the elastomeric portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12488704B2System for simulating a surgical procedure

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 VIRTUALISURG

AI summary

A training device for performing a surgical procedure, which includes an enclosure having at least: one first surface defining an operation interface intended to receive at least one surgical tool; at least one opening arranged on the first surface; and a connection interface maintained at the circumference of the opening; the connection interface being suitable for receiving and supporting a sheath.