Robotic Arm Harness Assembly for Rotation Without Cable Tangling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical robots face challenges in routing electrical connections along their robotic arms without affecting the range of motion, as traditional methods like wires can cause tangling or loosening, while alternative connections like wiper-contact arrangements are expensive and unreliable, necessitating custom components and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system with a navigation system to track objects and a robotic arm featuring a harness assembly that rotates between expanded and contracted states, maintaining communication between interfaces, allowing for seamless electrical connection routing without compromising the arm's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wires are used for electrical connections along the robotic arm, then electrical connections can be established, but the range of motion is affected due to tangling or loosening of connections
Solution Approach 1:
The harness assembly is designed to be dynamically configurable between expanded and contracted states. The spiral region allows the harness to expand during rotation to prevent tangling and contracting when rotation is complete, enabling full range of motion while maintaining reliable electrical connections throughout the movement cycle.
2Reliability
If wiper-contact connections are used for electrical connections, then connections can be maintained during movement, but the system becomes expensive and unreliable requiring custom components
Solution Approach 1:
The harness assembly is segmented into distinct functional regions: a spiral region for accommodating rotational movement, a first runner region for electrical connections, and a second runner region for data connections. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently using standard components rather than custom-wiper contact systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness assembly uses flexible cable structures instead of rigid wiper contacts. The spiral region acts as a flexible buffer that absorbs movement stresses, while the runner regions provide protected pathways for electrical and data connections, eliminating the need for expensive custom-manufactured wiper-contact components.
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 solution enables reliable and cost-effective electrical connection management in surgical robots, enhancing their operational efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral region extending in communication between the first harness end and the second harness end, the spiral region being supported for movement between an expanded state and a contracted state to permit rotation of the distal joint subassembly about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surgical system is provided. The robotic surgical system includes a navigation system and a robotic arm. The robotic arm includes a joint including a proximal joint subassembly supporting a distal joint subassembly for rotation about an axis. The joint also includes a distal joint module attached to the distal joint subassembly and including a distal interface. The robotic arm also includes a proximal joint module attached to the proximal joint subassembly and including a proximal interface. The robotic arm also includes a harness assembly coupled to the proximal interface and to the distal interface, and a spiral region being supported for movement between an expanded state and a contracted state to permit rotation of the distal joint subassembly between a first radial position and a second radial position while maintaining communication between the proximal interface and the distal interface.