Off-axis Rotary Tool Precession Reduces Reactionary Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical robots face challenges in handling high force and energy demands during orthopedic surgeries, such as reaming procedures, due to inability to provide sufficient linear force and manage reactionary forces, which can damage robotic components and require surgeon intervention.

Innovation Solution

An off-axis rotary tool with a motor-driven cutting head that simultaneously precesses and rotates, reducing the need for excessive linear force by minimizing frictional load and allowing the tool to advance medially with minimal force, while maintaining control and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional rotary tool is used for reaming, then the cutting function is effective, but high reactionary forces and frictional load are generated that can damage robotic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting effectivenessVSAvoidreactionary force
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting head is designed to simultaneously precess about a precession axis and rotate about a rotation axis, creating a dynamic motion pattern that reduces frictional load and reactionary forces compared to traditional single-axis rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool transitions from single-axis rotation to dual-axis precession and rotation, adding a dimensional aspect to the cutting motion that distributes forces more effectively and reduces peak loads on the robotic system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional rotary tools are used, then cutting action is provided, but excessive linear force is required to advance the tool medially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting actionVSAvoidlinear force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic precession and rotation motion enables the cutting teeth to engage and advance through bone tissue more efficiently, reducing the linear force required to push the tool medially while maintaining effective cutting action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If high linear force is applied to advance the tool, then cutting progress is achieved, but control and precision are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting progressVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The simultaneous precession and rotation creates a controlled cutting pattern that progresses medially with minimal force, maintaining precision and control while achieving effective cutting progress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 off-axis rotary tool effectively reduces reactionary forces on surgical robots and surgeons, enabling efficient orthopedic surgeries with reduced linear force requirements and improved control, allowing the tool to create precise cavities without excess material.

Implementation Method 1

During an operational cycle of the off-axis rotary tool, the cutting head simultaneously precesses about a precession axis and rotates about a rotation axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecession: Precession

Data Source

PatentUS20240350150A1Off-axis rotary tool
Publication Date: 2024.10.24 FIDELIS PARTNERS LLC
  • US20240350150A1 patent drawing
  • US20240350150A1 patent drawing
  • US20240350150A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An off-axis rotary tool may include a motor drive and a cutting head having teeth. During an operational cycle of the off-axis rotary tool, the cutting head may simultaneously precess about a precession axis and rotate about a rotation axis.