Peripheral-Arm Surgical Robotic System for Camera and Display Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic navigation systems in surgery are limited by inaccurate registrations, poor line of sight, passive guidance issues, single-arm limitations, and lack of visibility for surgeons and assistants, hindering system movement and adaptability during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-arm surgical robotic system with integrated navigation and peripheral arms, allowing for simultaneous or sequential performance of surgical tasks, with motorized subsystems controlled by both system software and users, and featuring a moveable base station with on-board computer, display, camera, and synchronized surgical arms with seven degrees of freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single robotic arm is used for navigation, then the system structure is simple, but only one surgical action can be performed at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical action throughputVSAvoidnumber of robotic arms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is divided into multiple independent robotic arms, each capable of performing different surgical actions simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel execution of multiple surgical tasks without increasing overall system complexity, as each arm operates semi-independently with its own control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each robotic arm is designed with universal end-effectors that can be quickly exchanged to perform different surgical functions. This multi-functionality allows a single arm to handle multiple surgical instruments and procedures, maximizing the utility of each arm while maintaining system compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If passive guidance is used, then the system is easier to operate, but patient movement and inability to actively move the system during procedure occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arms transition from static passive guidance to dynamic active positioning during surgery. The system can be actively moved and repositioned intraoperatively to accommodate patient movement or changing surgical requirements, while maintaining precise positioning through real-time control systems that compensate for movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback from position sensors and navigation systems allows the robotic arms to actively adjust their positions during the procedure. This closed-loop control maintains positioning accuracy even when the system is moved or when patient anatomy shifts, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the robotic system is fixed in position, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but system movement is hindered intraoperatively and during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidsystem repositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates movable bases with locking mechanisms that allow the entire system to be repositioned during surgery or transported between operating rooms. Once positioned, the bases lock to maintain stability and navigation accuracy during the surgical procedure, providing both mobility and positional stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is pre-positioned and locked into place before the surgical procedure begins to ensure measurement precision. The movable bases allow for preliminary setup and positioning adjustments, after which the system remains fixed during the actual surgery to maintain navigation accuracy, but can be quickly repositioned between procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If surgeons and assistants are positioned to oversee the procedure, then visibility of the monitor is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon visibilityVSAvoiddisplay system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arms are equipped with integrated display systems that can serve multiple functions: providing surgical navigation information, displaying patient anatomy, showing instrument positions, and offering procedural guidance. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple display needs into a single integrated system, improving surgeon visibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250288370A1Surgical robotic system

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for a robot-assisted surgery. A surgical robotic system with integrated navigation and multiple surgical arms may assist a user with one or more surgical procedures. In addition to the multiple surgical arms, the robotic system may also have peripheral arms to position a navigation camera and surgeon displays. The robotic system is collaborative to allow for easy integration into procedural workflows, for example, to install pedicle screws, interbody implants, or other surgical devices.