Replaceable End Effector Cartridge for Robotic Surgical Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High maintenance and replacement costs of automated surgical equipment, such as robotic surgical instruments, limit their attractiveness for widespread hospital use due to the need for frequent repairs and replacements of expensive components after each surgery.
Innovation Solution
Development of robotic surgical systems with replaceable electrosurgical end effectors, such as disposable or pluggable cartridges for electrosurgical tools, that can be easily cleaned and replaced, reducing the need for costly repairs and extending the life of the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated surgical equipment is used, then surgical precision and control are improved, but maintenance and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into a reusable automated surgical system portion and a replaceable end effector portion. The end effector can be detached and replaced independently from the expensive automated system, allowing only the worn end effector to be replaced rather than the entire instrument. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining surgical precision through the automated system while reducing maintenance costs through selective replacement of only the end effector.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a disposable or limited-use component that can be replaced after a certain number of uses or when worn. This allows the expensive automated surgical system to be reused multiple times while only the cheaper end effector is discarded or replaced, significantly reducing overall maintenance and replacement costs while maintaining the precision benefits of automated surgery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive automated surgical equipment is used, then surgical capability is improved, but replacement frequency increases due to cost constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the automated surgical instrument into a reusable system portion and a replaceable end effector portion, the system extends its operational lifespan. The expensive automated system can be used indefinitely by simply replacing worn end effectors, rather than replacing the entire instrument. This maintains surgical capability while effectively extending the equipment's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed to be discarded after use or when worn, while the expensive automated surgical system is recovered and reused. This selective discarding approach allows hospitals to maintain access to advanced surgical capabilities without the burden of replacing entire expensive instruments, thereby extending the effective lifespan of the automated system.
3Ease of repair
If manual surgical instruments are used, then cost is reduced, but surgical precision and automation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid design segments the instrument into a manual/reusable automated system portion and a replaceable end effector portion. This allows the system to provide automated surgical precision when needed while having cost-effective replacement options for the end effector, bridging the gap between manual and fully automated instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the end effector disposable or limited-use, the system provides automated surgical precision at a fraction of the cost of replacing entire automated instruments. This makes advanced surgical capabilities more accessible to hospitals that would otherwise be constrained by cost, effectively bridging the gap between manual and automated surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two pluggable end effectors and a pair of spring latches. The two end effectors are moveable end effectors having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion in one embodiment. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge may further include a fastener to rotatably couple the end effectors together.