Robotic Surgical Instrument Cable Retention for Slippage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments face challenges in securing driving elements, such as cables, within the instrument interface, leading to slippage and reduced accuracy of end effector positioning due to insecure connections between the cable end block and the cable, as well as between the cable end block and the body in the instrument interface.
Innovation Solution
A driving element securing member is introduced, featuring a cavity with offset openings and channels to removably retain the end portion of the driving element, and a covering member to secure the body portion, ensuring stable engagement and reduced slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable securing methods are used, then the structure is simple, but the connection security deteriorates leading to slippage and reduced positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is divided into distinct functional segments: a cavity for receiving the cable end block, openings for cable passage, and channels for positional constraint. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function effectively, improving connection security without creating a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member acts as an intermediary component between the cable end block and the instrument interface body. It provides a dedicated interface structure that mediates the connection, ensuring secure engagement while maintaining simplicity through a single intermediate component rather than multiple fastening elements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional cable engagement methods are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member incorporates local quality variations through its geometric features: the cavity provides a confined space for the cable end block, the openings are positioned and sized to control cable passage, and the channels are shaped to constrain cable movement. These localized geometric variations prevent slippage and improve positioning accuracy without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If simple cable retention methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability deteriorates leading to displacement and re-zeroing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member employs a nested structure where the cable end block is received within the cavity, which itself is part of the securing member body. The openings and channels are integrated features of the same component. This nesting approach provides stable retention through concentric geometric constraints rather than through multiple separate fastening elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving element securing member for securing a driving element in a robotic surgical instrument that includes the body portion having a cross-sectional area that is less than that of an end portion. The driving element securing member includes a cavity, two openings formed in respective side surfaces of the driving element securing member, each of the openings configured to communicate with the other opening via the cavity and to allow the end portion of the driving element to pass into the cavity, and at least one channel, in communication with the cavity, and configured to open to an end face of the driving element securing member. At least one channel is configured to receive the body portion. The driving element securing member is configured to removably retain the end within the cavity. The two openings are configured to have a length that is less than a length of the end portion.