Robotic Surgical Rod Bending Without Fatigue-Causing Notches
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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.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a robot base, a rod feeding subassembly, a brake subassembly, and a bending subassembly, which automatically bends surgical rods by selectively moving, fixing, and rotating them to define a desired bend angle, using actuators and roller bearings to prevent notching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual devices (French bender, power bender) are used to bend surgical rods, then the bending operation can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and introduces notches that reduce fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bending devices with an automated robotic system that uses a controlled bending actuator. This substitution eliminates the cumbersome manual operations of French and power benders while preventing notch formation through precise, notch-free bending mechanics. The robotic system applies controlled force to bend the rod along its neutral axis without creating stress concentration points.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic bending system incorporates automated rod feeding, positioning, and bending capabilities. The system self-regulates the bending process through integrated actuators and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention and the associated risks of improper technique that lead to notching.
2Ease of operation
If automated robotic bending is implemented, then operational simplicity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: rod feeding, positioning, bending, and control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual devices and operators, simplifying the overall surgical workflow despite the increased complexity of the integrated system. The same robotic arm performs multiple operations that previously required different manual tools.
Data Source
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.