Protective Sleeve Positive Indicator for Robotic Electrosurgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems face challenges in preventing inadvertent electrical discharges during electrosurgical procedures, particularly when installing a protective sleeve on electrosurgical instruments, which can lead to accidental cuts or unintended tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protective sleeve with a positive indicator system that alerts users or automatically shuts off electrical energy when the sleeve is not properly positioned, utilizing a combination of mechanical and sensor-based solutions, such as proximity sensors and indicator components, to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective sleeve is installed on the electrosurgical instrument, then user safety is improved and electrical discharges are prevented, but device complexity increases due to additional components and installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of the protective sleeve, providing feedback to the control system. When the sleeve is properly installed, the system receives confirmation and allows operation; when improperly installed or missing, the system receives feedback and prevents operation, thereby ensuring safety without requiring complex manual verification procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve system is designed to automatically verify its own installation status through integrated sensors and indicators. The sleeve itself or associated components contain sensors that self-report their position and presence, eliminating the need for external inspection or complex installation procedures by the user
2Reliability
If sensor-based detection systems are implemented to monitor sleeve position, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with sensor-based detection. Instead of using mechanical switches, physical interlocks, or manual verification procedures, the invention uses optical, magnetic, or capacitive sensors to detect the presence and position of the protective sleeve, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual indicators such as LED lights that change color or illuminate to indicate the status of the protective sleeve installation. This provides intuitive, immediate feedback to the user about whether the sleeve is properly installed, enhancing reliability without requiring complex display systems or user interpretation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic shutdown systems are implemented when the sleeve is improperly positioned, then patient safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to additional safety checks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs safety verification in advance by continuously monitoring the protective sleeve position before allowing electrosurgical operation. The automatic shutdown function is pre-configured to activate immediately if the sleeve is improperly positioned, preventing harmful effects before they can occur. This preliminary safety check becomes an integrated part of the normal operation rather than a separate step
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user about the safety status through visual indicators. When the protective sleeve is properly installed, the system displays a safe-to-operate indication, allowing the surgeon to proceed without interruption. This feedback mechanism integrates safety verification seamlessly into the workflow, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety
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
This solution effectively prevents electrical discharges in unintended pathways, enhancing user safety and reducing the risk of accidents during surgical procedures by ensuring the protective sleeve is correctly installed and maintaining electrical energy delivery only when the sleeve is in the assembled position.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor configured to detect when the protective sleeve has moved from the assembled position to the migrated position
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector includes a wrist having a distal clevis rotatably coupled to a proximal clevis, a shaft coupled to the proximal clevis and defining a radial shoulder, one or more jaw members rotatably mounted to the distal clevis, and a protective sleeve extendable over the wrist and a portion of the shaft and providing a cylindrical body having opposing distal and proximal ends, the protective sleeve being made entirely of a same flexible, and the cylindrical body defining an aperture at the distal end through which the jaw members protrude. An inner surface of the protective sleeve is smooth and forms an interference fit with an outer surface of the portion of the shaft. A positive indicator is discernible when the protective sleeve has moved from an assembled position, where the proximal end of the protective sleeve engages the radial shoulder, to a migrated position.