Robotic Surgical Instrument Side-Loading for Sterile Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in efficiently uncoupling and exchanging surgical instruments due to interference from the slide rail during translation and rotation, which complicates the process and may compromise sterility.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system design that allows the robotic surgical assembly to rotate to a predetermined orientation relative to the slide rail, enabling side-unloading of surgical instruments by positioning the lateral opening clear of the rail, facilitated by a semi-annular cuff and a sterile interface module that can be robotically controlled for precise orientation and uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robotic surgical assembly translates along the slide rail for instrument exchange, then the surgical instrument can be removed and attached, but the slide rail interferes with the rotation and uncoupling process
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical assembly is designed to rotate about an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the slide rail, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the rotation movement. This allows the assembly to orient its lateral opening away from the slide rail, eliminating interference during instrument uncoupling while maintaining the translation capability along the rail for positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the robotic surgical assembly rotates to predetermined orientation for side-unloading, then instrument removal is simplified, but additional rotational control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical assembly incorporates a self-contained rotation mechanism with a rotation motor and drive mechanism that automatically orients the assembly to the predetermined angle relative to the slide rail. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external manual positioning, simplifying the side-unloading process while the rotation control is integrated into the assembly itself rather than being a separate external system.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surgical system includes a surgical instrument defining a first longitudinal axis and a robotic surgical assembly defining a second longitudinal axis. The robotic surgical assembly includes an instrument drive unit configured for selectively receiving and driving the surgical instrument. The robotic surgical assembly defines a side opening having an insertion axis that is angled with respect to the second longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument is selectively insertable through the side opening to enable relative movement between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis for selectively side-loading the surgical instrument into or out of engagement with the instrument drive unit.