Monocoque Robotic Surgical Instrument Chassis for Efficient Pulley Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical instruments face challenges in assembly complexity and inefficiency of mechanical drive transfer due to the use of a two-part instrument interface chassis, which flexes during use, reducing the efficiency of drive transfer to the end effector.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical instrument with a monocoque chassis and separable routing pulley component, where driving elements are routed around pulleys and secured to a monocoque chassis, allowing for a simpler assembly process and more efficient mechanical drive transfer through a push-fit mechanism with a single fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-part instrument interface chassis is used to house cables and routing components, then the assembly process becomes more manageable, but the chassis flexes with respect to each other during use thereby reducing the efficiency of mechanical drive transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate chassis parts into a single monocoque chassis structure. This integration eliminates the interface between two parts, preventing relative flexing while maintaining ease of manufacture through the unified structural design. The monocoque chassis provides rigid support for cable routing and mechanical drive transfer without the energy losses associated with multi-part interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a two-part instrument interface chassis is used, then component assembly is facilitated, but the number of component parts increases leading to more complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chassis components into a single monocoque structure, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining assembly simplicity. The unified design eliminates the need for multiple joining operations between chassis parts, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity despite the integrated nature of the structure.
3Loss of energy
If a monocoque chassis is used, then mechanical drive transfer efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monocoque chassis assembly process by providing access openings that allow cable routing and component installation to be performed in a systematic sequence. This segmentation of the assembly process into discrete steps through strategically placed openings simplifies what would otherwise be a complex operation on a sealed monocoque structure, maintaining drive transfer efficiency while managing assembly complexity.
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
The monocoque chassis design reduces flex and friction, enhancing mechanical drive efficiency to the end effector, improving precision and control while simplifying assembly, thus reducing component parts and assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
routing the driving elements around pulleys of the routing pulley component
Implementation Method 2
the monocoque chassis design reduces flex and friction, enhancing mechanical drive efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; driving elements running through the shaft; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft for articulating an end effector, the articulation driveable by the driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft for driving the driving elements, the instrument interface comprising: a monocoque chassis; and a routing pulley component housed by the monocoque chassis and separable from the monocoque chassis; wherein the instrument interface is configured to be assembled by: routing the driving elements from the shaft around pulleys of the routing pulley component; securing the driving elements to the monocoque chassis; and after the routing and securing steps, placing the routing pulley component into the monocoque chassis.