Rotating Light-Guiding Tube for 6DOF Laser Cutting Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical robotic systems lack the capability for high-precision, synchronized cutting of all hard and soft tissues simultaneously and are limited to master-slave control, restricting their application to dental procedures and not meeting the need for a versatile, wide-range processing device.

Innovation Solution

A multiple degrees of freedom (Multi-DOF) laser processing device is developed, incorporating a 3DOF laser processing unit, a rotating motor, linear motor, and an electromechanical control system, allowing for increased freedom of movement and precise control of the laser cutter, including 360-degree rotation and adjustable pitch and roll, along with a CCD camera for monitoring and real-time feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a 3DOF laser processing unit is used for automated dental preparation, then the discomfort from high-speed turbine noise and vibration is eliminated, but the effective processing range is limited and cannot achieve high-precision cutting of all parts and tissues inside the mouth or throat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and mechanical vibrationVSAvoideffective processing range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a 3DOF system to a 6DOF system by adding three more degrees of freedom through a rotating motor that enables 360-degree rotation of the light guiding tube. This dimensional expansion allows the laser cutter to reach all parts and tissues inside the mouth or throat, achieving comprehensive high-precision cutting while maintaining the vibration-free advantage of laser processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal laser processing device that can handle multiple tissue types (hard and soft tissues such as teeth, jawbone, and cartilage) and apply to multiple medical fields (dental, oral, ophthalmology, orthopedics). The 6DOF configuration with rotatable light guiding tube provides multi-functionality, making the device adaptable to various surgical procedures and anatomical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing surgical robotic systems with master-slave control are used, then surgical quality is improved and doctor fatigue is reduced, but the systems lack intelligent planning or autonomous operation capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical qualityVSAvoidintelligent planning or autonomous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements autonomous operation capability where the laser processing device can perform surgical procedures independently without requiring continuous master-slave control. The system includes intelligent planning functionality that enables automated control of the 6DOF motion, allowing the device to self-manage the surgical process while maintaining high precision and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a CCD camera for monitoring and real-time feedback, enabling the autonomous system to detect and respond to surgical conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the intelligent planning system to adjust parameters and maintain surgical quality without human intervention, bridging the gap between automated control and manual supervision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a 3DOF motion system is used for automated dental preparation, then the high-speed turbine noise and vibration are eliminated, but the device cannot achieve high-precision cutting of all tissues and cannot be extended to other medical fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated operationVSAvoidcutting precision of all tissues
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances cutting precision across all tissue types by adding rotational degree of freedom through the rotating motor. The 6DOF system enables the laser cutter to approach tissues from multiple angles and maintain optimal cutting orientation, achieving high-precision cutting of hard and soft tissues including teeth, jawbone, and cartilage that was impossible with 3DOF limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The device achieves high-precision, vibration-free cutting of various tissues and surfaces, expanding its application to fields like ophthalmology and orthopedics, and enabling precise, versatile processing in complex cavities with enhanced safety and control.

Implementation Method 1

a multiple degrees of freedom (Multi-DOF) laser processing device... achieves high-precision, vibration-free cutting of various tissues and surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

a light guiding tube having an end provided with a first reflector mount... control movement of the laser cutter on the focal plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3722043B1Multi-degree of freedom laser processing device
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 PEKING UNIV SCHOOL OF STOMATOLOGY
  • EP3722043B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3722043B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3722043B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A multi-degree of freedom laser processing device. Compared to existing laser processing devices, the multi-degree of freedom laser processing device further comprises: a rotary motor (8) and first transmission mechanism that are provided on a base; a light guiding tube (37) that is rotatably arranged on a light guiding tube frame (1-1) which is connected to the base, wherein the light guiding tube is driven by the rotary motor (8) by means of the first transmission mechanism and is controlled to rotate on the light guiding tube frame. The device increases the degree of freedom for laser processing, and solves problems in related technology of a limited action range and of being unable to meet application requirements in which there are large ranges and multiple surgeries due to a numerical control laser automatic tooth preparation device only being able to implement three degrees of freedom.