Multi-Arm Medical Simulator With Interchangeable Tool Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulators for clinical professionals are inflexible, leading to underutilization as they are typically designed for a single medical procedure, resulting in either inadequate provision or excessive, underused equipment.
Innovation Solution
A simulator system comprising multiple robot arms with interchangeable tools and a controller that can simulate multiple procedures by detecting tool attachments and applying haptic feedback, allowing for versatile training across various medical or dental procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single simulator device is provided for a single medical procedure, then training effectiveness for that specific procedure is improved, but device utilization efficiency deteriorates as the device lies idle when other topics are studied
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator is designed with multiple interchangeable procedure modules that can be attached to a single base unit. Each module represents a different medical procedure or skill set, allowing one physical device to serve multiple training purposes. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated simulators for each procedure while maintaining specialized training capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator employs dynamically reconfigurable components where procedure modules can be swapped based on training needs. The system adapts its functionality by changing the attached module, allowing the same hardware platform to provide specialized training for different procedures without requiring multiple fixed-purpose devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized simulator devices are provided for different medical procedures, then training versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single base unit is designed to accommodate multiple procedure modules, creating a universal platform that replaces the need for multiple specialized devices. The base unit contains common components such as feedback mechanisms, control systems, and interface elements that are shared across all procedure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The training system is divided into modular components where the base unit remains constant and only the procedure-specific modules need to be changed. This segmentation allows institutions to acquire one core device and add modules as needed, rather than purchasing complete separate systems for each procedure.
3Measurement precision
If procedure-specific simulator modules are used, then measurement precision for detecting tool manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple identification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure modules are designed with self-identifying features such as unique electrical contacts, magnetic signatures, or RFID tags that automatically allow the controller to identify which module is attached. This self-service identification eliminates the need for complex manual configuration or additional identification hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical or electrical identification features are used instead of complex mechanical recognition systems. For example, different modules may have unique electrical contact patterns or magnetic field signatures that the controller can detect automatically, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical sensing or configuration systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A simulator for manual tasks comprising a first robot arm, a second robot arm and a controller. The first robot arm has a connector (730) at a distal end for connecting to a tool (762) and the second robot arm having a connector (740) at a distal end for connecting to the tool. The controller is operable to simulate at least two different procedures in response to the attachment of different tools to the robot arms.