Segmented Robotic Surgical Arms for Precise Minimally Invasive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical technologies, such as laparoscopy and robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, face limitations due to mobility restrictions and limited sensory and mobility capabilities, making them inadequate for complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical device with an elongate component and movable segmented arms, supported by external components, allowing for enhanced mobility and sensory feedback within a body cavity, featuring motors and operational components like grasping, cauterizing, and imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If robotic systems like da Vinci Surgical System are used, then surgical precision is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical system is divided into multiple independent robotic arms that can be inserted through separate access ports. Each arm contains its own actuators and operational components, allowing the system to achieve high surgical precision without requiring a single large centralized device. This segmentation enables deployment in hospitals with limited space and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single large external robotic device to multiple smaller robotic arms that operate independently within the body cavity. By distributing the robotic functionality across multiple dimensions and access points, the system maintains surgical precision while reducing the volume of any single device component.
2Device complexity
If rigid tools are used for minimally invasive surgery, then device simplicity is maintained, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arms incorporate flexible, articulated structures with multiple degrees of freedom, replacing rigid tools. Each arm can dynamically adjust its position and orientation within the body cavity, enabling complex surgical maneuvers while maintaining a relatively simple insertion approach through standard access ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the surgical tools from rigid to flexible, articulated structures. This allows the tools to adapt their configuration based on surgical needs, improving mobility and access to difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If access ports are used for minimally invasive surgery, then patient trauma is reduced, but sensory and mobility capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arms are designed with multi-functional operational components at their distal ends, including grasping tools, imaging sensors, and surgical instruments. This integration of multiple functions within compact end-effectors allows the system to maintain minimal patient trauma through small access ports while compensating for sensory limitations through advanced onboard sensors and imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates advanced sensory feedback mechanisms, including force sensors, position encoders, and imaging systems, that provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop compensates for the limited sensory capabilities imposed by the access port configuration, enabling precise control and enhanced situational awareness during surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
Various medical devices and related systems, including robotic and/or in vivo medical devices, and various robotic surgical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a robotic surgical system having a support beam positionable through an incision, and a robotic device having a device body, first and second rotating shoulder components coupled to the device body, and first and second robotic arms coupled to the first and second shoulder components, respectively.