Motorized Joint Positioner with Series Elastic Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint positioners require significant time and effort to adjust the position of a patient's joint, which can increase the duration of medical procedures and make precise adjustments cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A motorized joint positioner system featuring first and second robotic arms with series elastic actuators, allowing for quick and precise positioning of a patient's joint, and integration with computer-assisted surgery systems for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical adjustment is used to position the joint, then the device structure is simple, but the time and effort required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven positioning system. The motorized actuator automatically adjusts the holder position based on electronic control signals, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation and significantly reducing adjustment time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to be self-adjusting through automated control. The motorized actuator can be controlled by a computer or microprocessor to automatically position the holder at desired locations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention.
2Productivity
If motorized actuation is used to position the joint, then the adjustment speed and precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into separate functional modules: a motorized actuator for motion, a holder for securing the joint, and a control system for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve fast and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized actuator serves multiple functions: it provides powered movement for rapid positioning, enables precise control through electronic feedback, and can be integrated with various control systems (manual, automated, or computer-controlled). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment is used to maintain joint position, then the device structure remains simple, but the procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized positioning system enables continuous and automatic adjustment of the joint holder throughout the surgical procedure. Unlike manual adjustment which requires intermittent user intervention, the automated system can continuously maintain optimal positioning without breaking the procedural flow, thereby reducing overall procedural duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces ongoing manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control. The motorized actuator can be programmed to maintain position or make real-time adjustments based on pre-set parameters, eliminating the time-consuming nature of repeated manual interventions.
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 motorized joint positioner significantly reduces the time and effort required to position a patient's joint, enhancing procedural efficiency and allowing for precise adjustments, while also facilitating advanced surgical techniques through integration with CAS systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first and second robotic arms includes a series elastic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a joint positioner includes securing a first holder of the joint positioner to a first portion of a limb and a second holder of the joint positioner to a second portion of the limb, manually articulating a mechanical arm extending between the first holder and the second holder to a position causing tension in soft tissue of the limb, and switching between a first mode in which arm segments of the mechanical arm are manually repositionable and a second mode in which the mechanical arm is fixed in the position.