Robot Arm Instrument Interface for Low-EMI Electrosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical robot systems face challenges in achieving high electromagnetic compatibility and flexibility in using different medical instruments, particularly electrosurgical instruments, due to complex electrical connections and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A medical robot system with a robot arm that holds instrument units, each equipped with a generator, where the generator is integrated in the instrument housing or connected mechanically, and a control unit on the robot arm controls the output signal, minimizing electromagnetic interference by keeping electrical connections short and allowing easy exchange of instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the generator is integrated inside the instrument housing or mechanically connected with the instrument, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved and electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrical connections and mechanical coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is integrated inside the instrument housing or mechanically connected with the instrument, merging previously separate components (generator and instrument) into a unified assembly. This reduces electromagnetic interference by eliminating long external electrical connections while maintaining functional independence through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instrument units are held on the robot arm with releasable connections, then flexibility and ease of instrument exchange are improved, but the device complexity increases due to holding devices and connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different instrument units through standardized releasable connections. This allows the same holding mechanism to securely maintain multiple instrument types while enabling quick exchange, balancing versatility with controlled complexity.
3Device complexity
If the generator is kept separate from the robot arm with external electrical connections, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic compatibility deteriorates due to long electrical lines causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is extracted from the robot arm system and integrated directly into the instrument housing, removing the source of electromagnetic interference from the robot arm's electrical environment. This extraction eliminates long external electrical connections that caused interference while maintaining the generator's functional independence.
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
The system achieves high electromagnetic compatibility and flexibility in using various instruments, reducing electromagnetic interference and simplifying instrument exchange without requiring component changes.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is configured to provide an electrical output signal for the assigned instrument of the instrument unit
Implementation Method 2
The robot arm is configured to hold one or multiple instrument units and can move and/or position a held instrument unit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure refers to a medical robot system having a robot comprising at least one robot arm. On the at least one robot arm at least one instrument unit is held and can be moved and/or positioned by means of robot arm. Each instrument unit has a medical instrument, preferably electrosurgical instrument, as well as a generator that creates and provides an output signal (A) for the instrument, particularly an (RF) output signal. On the robot arm an interface is arranged with which each instrument unit held on the robot arm can be electrically and/or optically coupled for establishing a communication connection. This connection can be wired and/or wireless. The robot or robot arm has at least one generator control unit, wherein each interface is communicatively connected with an assigned generator control unit, in order to transmit a generator control signal (C) from generator control unit to the at least one instrument unit connected to the interface. Thus generator and generator control unit are separated from one another, wherein generator is located outside robot, while the at least one generator control unit forms part of robot and can be integrated in robot or robot arm.