Robotic Sterilization Unit for AR-Guided Instrument Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical technologies rely on physical objects that obstruct the surgical field, require time-consuming setup, and are prone to errors in instrument placement, detracting from their benefits and increasing surgical time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing augmented reality (AR) devices and robotic systems to enhance surgical precision and efficiency by providing virtual object overlays, automated instrument placement verification, and remote surgical field visualization, along with a robotic sterilization unit for instrument management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical surgical devices and objects are used, then surgical procedures can be performed with tangible instruments, but the physical objects obstruct the surgical field and require time-consuming setup and manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical field accessibilityVSAvoidphysical object requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create virtual copies of surgical instruments and anatomical structures that overlay the real surgical field. These virtual representations provide all necessary information (instrument location, orientation, surgical guides) without requiring physical objects to be present, thereby eliminating obstruction while maintaining full surgical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical mechanical instruments and guides with augmented reality visualizations. Instead of using physical surgical guides, templates, or markers that occupy space and require manual setup, the system uses computer-generated virtual overlays that provide the same guidance functions without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If physical surgical instruments and guides are used, then surgical procedures can be performed with tangible tools, but setup time and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure efficiencyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing virtual surgical guides, instrument trajectories, and anatomical models before the surgical procedure begins. These virtual elements are ready for immediate overlay and visualization, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical setup, calibration, or assembly of surgical guides and instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of all surgical instruments and guides that can be instantly deployed through augmented reality. These digital replicas eliminate manufacturing costs and setup time associated with physical instruments, as they can be generated and modified computationally without physical production constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If physical surgical objects are used, then instruments can be manipulated during surgery, but errors in instrument placement occur and detract from surgical benefits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument placement accuracyVSAvoidsurgical procedure reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality system continuously tracks the position and orientation of surgical instruments in real-time and provides immediate visual feedback through virtual overlays. The system displays the actual instrument location alongside the planned trajectory, allowing surgeons to detect and correct placement errors instantly, thereby improving both precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual physical manipulation and estimation with computer-aided augmented reality guidance. The system uses tracking technologies and computational algorithms to precisely determine instrument positions and provide visual correction guidance, eliminating human error in spatial assessment and improving placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12376919B2Robotic device and sterilization unit for surgical instrument

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 ORTHOSOFT ULC

AI summary

A method or system for storing an instrument, such as in a sterile environment. For example, a surgical robotic system may include a surgical robotic arm and a sterilization unit enclosing the sterile environment and storing the instrument. A processor may be used to determine that the instrument is needed (e.g., during a surgical procedure or portion of a surgical procedure or for a future surgical procedure or portion of a future surgical procedure). The processor may provide access to the instrument.