Onboard Generator for Robotic Surgical Instruments

Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic surgical instruments face challenges in obtaining electrical power due to size constraints and the need for onboard power sources or AC power coupling, which increases cost and complexity, and wireless power transmission can be inefficient and restrict material choices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a generator within the surgical instrument's tool housing that converts mechanical inputs from the robotic surgical system into electrical energy, allowing the instrument to operate independently without external power sources, using motors, energy storage mechanisms, and rectifiers to power onboard loads and functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If onboard power sources or AC power coupling are used, then electrical power can be provided to the surgical instrument, but the instrument becomes more expensive and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power provisionVSAvoidinstrument weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument generates its own electrical energy onboard through a generator that converts mechanical energy from the robotic surgical system into electrical energy, eliminating the need for separate onboard power sources or AC power coupling mechanisms. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing power without adding heavy battery or power source components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electrical power delivery systems (wired AC coupling or wireless power transmission) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The generator converts mechanical energy already present in the robotic system into electrical energy, substituting complex electrical power infrastructure with a simpler mechanical-to-electrical conversion mechanism that reduces overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If onboard power sources or AC power coupling are used, then electrical power can be provided to the surgical instrument, but the instrument becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power provisionVSAvoidinstrument cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument generates its own electrical energy onboard through a generator that converts mechanical energy from the robotic surgical system into electrical energy, eliminating the need for separate onboard power sources or AC power coupling mechanisms. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing power without adding heavy battery or power source components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The generator serves multiple functions: it powers the surgical instrument's electronic components, sensors, and actuators while being driven by the existing mechanical motion of the robotic system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power delivery infrastructure, reducing manufacturing costs by reusing existing mechanical energy rather than adding dedicated power transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If wireless power transmission is used, then electrical power can be provided to the surgical instrument, but real estate is consumed and material choices are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power provisionVSAvoidreal estate consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical power delivery systems (wired AC coupling or wireless power transmission) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The generator converts mechanical energy already present in the robotic system into electrical energy, substituting complex electrical power infrastructure with a simpler mechanical-to-electrical conversion mechanism that reduces overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If mechanical coupling is used to control surgical instrument, then inputs can be provided from the robotic surgical system, but the number of inputs is limited due to size constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of inputs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The generator serves multiple functions: it powers the surgical instrument's electronic components, sensors, and actuators while being driven by the existing mechanical motion of the robotic system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power delivery infrastructure, reducing manufacturing costs by reusing existing mechanical energy rather than adding dedicated power transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the surgical instrument to generate its own power, reducing reliance on external power sources, simplifying integration with robotic systems, and improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for bulky power components and wireless transmission issues.

Implementation Method 1

a generator contained in the tool housing. The receipt of the mechanical, rotational input is configured to cause the generator to generate electrical energy configured to be used onboard the surgical instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230181275A1Robotic surgical instruments having onboard generators

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Various exemplary devices, systems, and methods for robotic surgical instruments having onboard generators are provided. In general, a surgical instrument is configured to releasably and replaceably couple to a robotic surgical system. The surgical instrument is configured to receive an input from the robotic surgical system that causes the surgical instrument to generate electrical power.