Robotic Surgical Rod Bending Without Notch-Induced Fatigue Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual devices for bending surgical rods in spinal fusion surgery are cumbersome and can introduce notches, reducing the rod's fatigue life, necessitating a more efficient and notch-free bending solution.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a robot base, rod feeding, brake, and bending subassemblies, with actuators and controllers to automatically bend surgical rods with precision, minimizing manual intervention and preventing notching through the use of roller bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual bending devices (French bender, power bender) are used to bend surgical rods, then the rods can be bent to desired curvature, but notches are introduced on the rod which decrease the rod's fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bending devices with an automated robotic system that uses a bending actuator with a controlled rolling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the notching problem associated with manual devices while maintaining the ability to bend rods to desired curvatures, thereby improving rod fatigue life without sacrificing operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic bending system performs the bending operation automatically through programmed control of the bending actuator, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates the bending process to achieve precise curvature while preventing notch formation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Productivity
If manual bending devices are used to bend surgical rods, then bending can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cumbersome manual bending procedures with an automated robotic system that integrates rod feeding, braking, and bending functions. This automation significantly improves productivity by eliminating manual操作步骤 while the integrated design manages device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system merges multiple functions (rod feeding, braking, bending) into a single integrated platform. This combination improves operational efficiency by streamlining the bending process while managing overall system complexity through functional integration rather than separate manual devices
3Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic bending is implemented, then precision and fatigue life are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic bending system is divided into distinct functional subassemblies: rod feeding subassembly, braking subassembly, and bending subassembly. Each subassembly performs a specific function with dedicated actuators, which improves bending precision through specialized control while managing overall system complexity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms including a brake actuator that can selectively fix rod portions and a bending actuator that rotates about a rotational axis. These dynamic elements enable precise bending control while the coordinated operation of multiple actuators manages system complexity through synchronized control
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic system may include a robot base and a rod feeding subassembly coupled to the robot base that includes a feeding actuator configured to selectively move a surgical rod. The robotic system may include a brake subassembly coupled to the robot base that includes a brake actuator configured to receive the surgical rod from the rod feeding subassembly, and selectively fix a first portion of the surgical rod with respect to the brake subassembly. The robotic system may include a bending subassembly coupled to the robot base that includes a bending actuator configured to selectively rotate to engage a second portion of the surgical rod and bend the second portion of the surgical rod with respect to the first portion of the surgical rod so that the first portion and the second portion of the surgical rod define a first bend angle.