Master-Slave Robot Switching for Remote Specimen Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen collection methods require the operation person to be positioned close to the person being treated, increasing the risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising a master robot and multiple slave robots, allowing remote control of specimen collection procedures, reducing the need for the operation person to be near the subject and enabling efficient switching between slave robots for infection prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operation person is placed in the specimen collection main body box to collect specimens through protective gloves, then the specimen collection can be performed, but the operation person has a high risk of infection and must be positioned close to the person to be treated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the operation person and the person to be treated. The master robot allows the operation person to control slave robots remotely, eliminating the need for direct contact or close positioning. The switching controller acts as another intermediary layer, managing the operational connections between the master robot and multiple slave robots, enabling safe remote operation while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct human operation with protective gloves with a remote-controlled robotic system. The master robot and slave robots transmit control signals electronically, substituting the physical mechanical interaction with an electronic control system. This allows the operation person to perform specimen collection procedures without being physically present in the specimen collection main body box, thereby eliminating infection risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slave robots are provided with separate master robots for each, then each slave robot can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal master robot that can control multiple slave robots through the switching controller. Instead of having dedicated master robots for each slave robot, the single master robot serves multiple functions by connecting to and controlling different slave robots as needed. The switching controller enables this multi-functionality by managing the operational connections dynamically, allowing one master robot to adaptively control multiple slave robots for different procedures or persons to be treated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control function into a single master robot that controls multiple slave robots, rather than having separate master-slave pairs. The switching controller combines the operational connections between the master robot and multiple slave robots into a unified control system. This merging reduces the total number of master robots needed while maintaining the ability to independently control each slave robot when required.
3Device complexity
If one slave robot is used for multiple procedures, then the system configuration is simplified, but the procedure time increases due to disinfection and setup between procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling rapid switching between multiple slave robots for different procedures. Instead of performing sequential operations with one robot (procedure-disinfection-procedure), the system can switch between multiple slave robots, allowing disinfection or setup to occur concurrently while another robot performs procedures. This periodic switching pattern increases productivity by overlapping procedure execution with preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by allowing multiple slave robots to be available for immediate use. When one slave robot completes a procedure or requires disinfection, another slave robot can immediately take over without interrupting the overall workflow. The switching controller enables seamless transition between robots, maintaining continuous productive action rather than having idle time during transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a master robot, a plurality of slave robots remotely controlled by the master robot to perform a procedure on a person to be treated, and a switching controller configured or programmed to switch an operational connection between the master robot and each of the plurality of slave robots such that one of the plurality of slave robots is remotely controlled by the master robot.