Robotic Drive Sterile Drape for Moving Module Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic catheter-based medical procedures face challenges in maintaining sterility and efficiently exchanging catheters due to the length of guidewires required, which often necessitate multiple operators and can be inadequate for providing distal support, especially in complex anatomies.
Innovation Solution
A sterile barrier system for robotic drives featuring resilient and rigid members that create a sterile environment by biasing and returning edges along a longitudinal axis as drive modules move, ensuring coverage and ease of catheter exchange with a flexible drape connected to a rigid member, and a method of applying this barrier to cover all sides of the drive module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile barrier system with resilient members is used to separate sterile and non-sterile areas, then sterility is maintained and catheter exchange is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile barrier system is divided into multiple independent components: a sterile drape, rigid members, and resilient members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall sterility. The resilient members are further segmented into multiple edges that can independently respond to drive module movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members are designed to automatically bias away from and return to the longitudinal axis in response to drive module movement, without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains sterility while simplifying operation, as the barrier system autonomously adapts to the dynamic environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resilient members with free edges are used to track drive module movement, then coverage is maintained during motion, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are designed with the capability to dynamically change their configuration in response to drive module movement. The free edges can bias away from the longitudinal axis when a drive module passes and then return to the original position, providing continuous coverage without requiring fixed precision positioning throughout the entire range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members utilize material properties that allow them to change their effective position and shape based on mechanical stimulation from drive module movement. This parameter change capability enables the barrier to adapt to motion while maintaining adequate manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible drape connected to rigid members is used to cover the drive body, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile barrier system merges flexible and rigid components into a unified structure. The flexible drape provides ease of operation and adaptability, while the rigid members provide structural support and defined positioning. This combination allows the system to maintain sterility during dynamic operations while remaining easy to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile barrier system is designed to perform multiple functions: maintaining sterility, providing structural support, accommodating drive module movement, and facilitating catheter exchange. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of flexible and rigid components that work together to address various operational requirements.
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 sterile barrier system effectively separates sterile and non-sterile areas, simplifies catheter exchange by allowing single-operator procedures, and provides adequate support for complex anatomies, enhancing the efficiency and safety of robotic medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member having a first free edge proximate the longitudinal axis. The first free edge adjacent the first drive module is resiliently biased away from and returned to the longitudinal axis as the first drive module moves along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sterile barrier for a robotic drive comprises a first drive module configured to move moving along a longitudinal axis of a drive body. The sterile barrier comprises a first resilient member having a first free edge proximate the longitudinal axis. The first free edge adjacent the first drive module is resiliently biased away from and returned to the longitudinal axis as the first drive module moves along the longitudinal axis.