Stabilization Device Backlash-Free Robotic Arm Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective solutions for properly and backlash-free attachment of robotic arms to operating tables, especially during surgeries involving nerves and blood vessels, where precise positioning is critical, and existing solutions are not economically viable or flexible.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization device with a first fixation device attached to the robotic arm and a second fixation device attached to the operating table at a different location, using a support structure with adjustable dimensions and configurations such as L-shaped and bar-shaped legs, and a threaded connection to ensure secure and backlash-free attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic arm is attached to the operating table at the predefined side, then the attachment is simple and direct, but the attachment is unstable and prone to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the second fixation device from the predefined side (same dimension) to the opposite side of the operating table (different dimension/space). This spatial reconfiguration creates a long lever arm that provides stable support and eliminates backlash while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of existing side rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization device is pre-assembled with the support structure and both fixation devices before attachment to the robotic arm. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and configuration, allowing for quick and stable attachment without complex adjustments during the surgical procedure.
2Force
If the support dimension is increased to provide larger lever arm, then the holding torque increases, but the interference with operating personnel and apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the support dimension horizontally (which would occupy more space), the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by attaching the second fixation device to the side rail. This creates an effective long lever arm for holding torque while keeping the horizontal footprint minimal, avoiding interference with operating personnel and apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rail of the operating table serves as an intermediary structure that enables the attachment of the second fixation device. This intermediary allows the stabilization device to achieve large lever arm effects without directly occupying space in the operational area, as the side rail is already present and utilized for patient positioning.
3Reliability
If additional fixation points are added to the operating table, then the attachment stability improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the existing side rail structure of the operating table, which serves multiple functions including patient positioning and support. By attaching the second fixation device to this existing structure, the system achieves additional stable attachment points without requiring modifications or additional components to the operating table, thereby avoiding increased costs and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization device for stabilizing a robotic arm is provided attached at a fixing point on a predefined side of an operating table is provided. The stabilization device comprises a first fixation device configured to attach the stabilization device to the robotic arm, a support structure joined to the first fixation device, and a second fixation device joined to the support structure, the second fixation device being configured to fix the stabilization device to the operating table. The first fixation device is attachable to the robotic arm, and the stabilization device is configured such that the second fixation device is fixable to the operating table at a fixation location located at another place than at the predefined side of the operating table.