Robotic Surgery Eyepiece Shield for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic surgical systems lack effective protection for surgeons from cross-contamination and infectious diseases due to unsterile and difficult-to-clean faceplates, posing risks of eye infections and inhalation of bacteria and viruses.

Innovation Solution

An instrument shield comprising removably attachable eye and face shields made of transparent plastic or porous materials, designed to fit over the eyepieces and faceplate of the surgeon console, providing protection without obstructing the surgeon's view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the surgeon uses the robotic surgical system console without additional protection, then the surgeon can maintain clear vision and ease of operation, but the surgeon is exposed to contaminants on the faceplate and optical portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure to contaminantsVSAvoidprotection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device nests multiple shielding layers within the existing console structure. Eye shields are placed inside the optical path of the eyepieces, while face shields are positioned within the faceplate area, creating a nested protective configuration that integrates with rather than adds to the overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Transparent shields serve as intermediary barriers between the surgeon and contaminants. These shields are positioned at the interface where the surgeon's face contacts the console, creating a protective mediation layer that allows vision and operation while blocking harmful factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transparent shields are added to protect the surgeon's eyes and face, then protection from contaminants is improved, but the device complexity and potential obstruction of vision increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from contaminantsVSAvoidvision clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shields are made transparent specifically in the regions where vision is required, allowing clear viewing through the eye shields while maintaining protective coverage. The transparency is applied locally to the optical portions while other areas can remain opaque for maximum protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent shields act as intermediary elements that simultaneously provide protection and maintain visual clarity. By positioning these transparent barriers between the surgeon and contaminants, the system achieves both protection and operational ease without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3643267B1Surgical robotic instrument shield
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SPIER LAURENCE
  • EP3643267B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3643267B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3643267B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention relates to an instrument shield for a surgeon console of a robotic surgical system, comprising: at least one eye shield (412, 512) configured to be removably attached to an eyepiece of the console; characterized in that the at least one eye shield comprises an outer lip (416, 516) and a transparent lens (414, 514); the outer lip (416, 516) of the at least one eye shield is configured to mate onto a raised rim of the eyepiece of the console and comprises an integral perimeter groove configured to mate with the raised rim of the eyepiece; and the transparent lens (414, 514) is configured to cover a viewing portion of the eyepiece.