Portable Robotic Arm for Precise Spinal Tool Guidance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic surgical systems are expensive, require extensive preoperative planning, obstruct the surgical field, are non-intuitive, and may lead to malfunctions or operator errors, making them less acceptable for spinal surgeries that demand precision and constrained access.

Innovation Solution

A portable robot arm with an end effector for precise tool positioning, allowing minimal training, intuitive use, and a small footprint, compatible with standard surgical tools, enabling real-time trajectory definition and stabilization without increasing surgical time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If robotic systems are used for surgical precision, then surgical precision is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable robotic arm as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between manual surgical tools and complex fixed robotic systems. This portable arm provides automated precision positioning without requiring the infrastructure and complexity of traditional robotic surgical systems, thereby achieving surgical precision while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with a simplified portable robotic arm that uses computer-controlled positioning and real-time trajectory calculation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving surgical precision through software-based control and adaptive positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If fixed robotic systems are used, then surgical precision is improved, but obstruction of surgical field increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidobstruction of surgical field

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed robotic system into a dynamic, portable robotic arm that can be moved and repositioned as needed. This mobility allows the surgical team to optimize the surgical field view and access while maintaining precision capabilities, directly reducing obstruction of the surgical field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the monolithic fixed robotic system into a modular portable robotic arm that can be independently positioned and maneuvered. This segmentation allows the precision function to be separated from the bulky infrastructure, reducing overall obstruction while maintaining surgical precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If extensive preoperative planning is required, then surgical precision is improved, but preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary trajectory calculations and positioning adjustments in real-time during surgery rather than requiring extensive preoperative planning. The system pre-calculates optimal trajectories and makes adaptive adjustments based on real-time feedback, reducing preoperative preparation time while maintaining surgical precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback control that allows the robotic arm to adapt to actual surgical conditions during the procedure. This real-time feedback mechanism replaces extensive preoperative planning by continuously monitoring and adjusting trajectories based on actual tissue properties and surgical progress, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If manual surgical tools are used, then ease of operation is improved, but surgical precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsurgical precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable robotic arm as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual control and the surgical tool. This intermediary provides automated precision positioning while maintaining intuitive manual control interfaces, thereby achieving both ease of operation and surgical precision simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250262010A1Apparatus, systems, and methods for precise guidance of surgical tools

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 KB MEDICAL SA

AI summary

Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgical procedure. The system features a portable robot arm with end effector for precise positioning of a surgical tool. The system requires only minimal training by surgeons/operators, is intuitive to use, and has a small footprint with significantly reduced obstruction of the operating table. The system works with existing, standard surgical tools, does not required increased surgical time or preparatory time, and safely provides the enhanced precision achievable by robotic-assisted systems.