Orthopedic Surgery Assistant End Effector with Torque Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In orthopedic trauma reduction surgeries, existing systems face challenges such as high radiation exposure due to continuous C-Arm imaging, high antagonism forces requiring significant manual effort, and difficulty in achieving precise axial alignment of fracture segments, leading to surgeon fatigue and reduced surgery quality.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic surgery assistant system with a multi-axis mechanical arm and end effector that uses two linear actuating elements with a central annular mechanism to achieve two degrees of freedom of rotation, integrates power/torque sensing for real-time force feedback, and converts 2D images to 3D models for precise alignment and minimally invasive bone manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If six linear actuating elements are used to achieve six degrees of freedom of rotation, then the rotation capability is improved, but the volume, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into functional modules: a central annular structure for rotational conversion, two linear actuating elements for actuation, and a connector for tool attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall weight while maintaining six degrees of freedom capability through the patent's novel mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts linear motion from two actuating elements into rotational motion through the central annular structure, which acts as a mechanical transmission mechanism. This dimensional conversion allows the system to achieve rotational degrees of freedom without requiring separate rotary actuators, thereby reducing weight and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If six linear actuating elements are used to achieve six degrees of freedom of rotation, then the rotation capability is improved, but the volume and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple actuators into a compact central annular structure that converts linear motion to rotational motion. This consolidation reduces the overall volume of the end effector while maintaining the capability to achieve six degrees of freedom through coordinated actuation of two linear elements
Solution Approach 2:
By converting linear actuation into rotational motion through the central annular mechanism, the patent reduces the volumetric requirements compared to using six separate linear actuators, each requiring their own mounting space and structural support
3Loss of information
If C-Arm is used for continuous imaging during reduction process, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but radiation exposure for doctor and patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the C-Arm imaging system with a guide and positioning module that uses non-ionizing radiation methods (such as optical scanning or ultrasonic imaging) to capture images of the applied end. This substitution eliminates harmful ionizing radiation while maintaining real-time imaging capability for monitoring the reduction process
Solution Approach 2:
The guide and positioning module acts as an intermediary between the surgical field and the imaging system, using non-ionizing radiation as a mediator to provide real-time visual feedback without exposing the patient and surgeon to harmful ionizing radiation from C-Arm
4Force
If high antagonism force is applied to overcome surrounding tissue resistance, then fracture reduction capability is improved, but surgeon fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axis mechanical arm is designed with self-balancing and force compensation mechanisms that automatically counteract the high antagonism forces from surrounding tissues. This allows the surgical system to perform fracture reduction without requiring the surgeon to manually overcome large tissue resistance forces, thereby reducing surgeon fatigue while maintaining effective reduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual surgical manipulation with an automated multi-axis mechanical arm that provides controlled fracture reduction. The mechanical arm's actuators generate the necessary reduction forces electronically, eliminating the need for the surgeon to physically apply high antagonism forces against tissue resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic surgery assistant system includes: a multi-axis mechanical arm module; at least one end effector, including: two linear actuating elements, two actuating element encoders, a central annular structure, a connector, and a power/torque sensing element; a guide and positioning module; and a surgery remote control module, so that a user pulls the multi-axis mechanical arm and the end effector according to a real-time three-dimensional model, so that the multi-axis mechanical arm performs translation and rotation motions in a plurality of axial directions on an applied end, and the end effector performs a rotation motion of two degrees of freedom on the applied end.