Sterile Adapter Latch Assembly for Teleoperated Instrument Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing teleoperated surgical systems face challenges in maintaining a sterile environment due to the need to frequently attach and detach surgical instruments, which can lead to contamination and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a latch assembly system that includes a sterile drape and an instrument sterile adapter with a latch plate, which securely attaches and detaches surgical instruments from teleoperated actuators while maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are frequently attached and detached from teleoperated actuators, then instrument versatility is improved, but sterility is compromised due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three distinct segments: the non-sterile teleoperated actuator, the sterile adapter that remains attached to the actuator, and the sterile surgical instrument. This segmentation allows the sterile adapter to act as a permanent barrier, enabling instrument changes without breaching sterility. The adapter includes separate components (instrument carriage, latch mechanism, connecting members) that work together to maintain the sterile boundary while facilitating instrument interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile adapter serves as an intermediary component between the non-sterile actuator and the sterile instrument. It includes a sterile barrier that physically separates the sterile and non-sterile environments, allowing mechanical force and motion transmission while preventing contamination. The adapter's connecting members transmit actuator motion through the sterile barrier to control the instrument without direct contact between sterile and non-sterile components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sterilization methods are applied to teleoperated actuators, then sterility is improved, but the actuators are damaged due to sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive electronic components (motors, sensors, encoders) are extracted from the sterile field and placed in the non-sterile actuator portion. The sterile adapter contains only mechanical components that can withstand sterilization, while the actuator with vulnerable electronics remains outside the sterile boundary. This extraction allows sterilization of the adapter and instrument without exposing sensitive electronic components to damaging sterilization agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile adapter and instrument are designed as disposable components that can be sterilized and then discarded after use. This eliminates the need to sterilize the expensive, sensitive actuator repeatedly. The adapter acts as a single-use sterile barrier that protects the reusable actuator from contamination while enabling instrument changes.
3Reliability
If surgical instruments are securely attached to teleoperated actuators, then connection reliability is improved, but attachment time increases due to complex latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism uses dynamic spring-loaded arms that automatically engage with locking surfaces when the instrument is inserted. The spring force provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement, and the mechanism includes automatic locking features that secure the connection without requiring manual intervention. This dynamic design ensures reliable attachment while minimizing the time and effort required compared to static, multi-step latching systems.
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
This solution enables quick and reliable attachment of surgical instruments, maintains a sterile environment, and prevents contamination of teleoperated actuators, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A connecting member (425) flexibly connects the carriage latch arm (410) and the instrument latch arm (405) to a remainder of the latch plate (400)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A method for attaching a surgical instrument to an instrument carrier with an instrument sterile adapter The instrument sterile adapter (310) includes an instrument plate (430) that provides a first surface to receive the surgical instrument (120) and a latch plate (400) joined to the instrument plate (430). The latch plate (400) includes a second surface to receive the instrument carriage (130) and latch structures. Each latch structure has a carriage latch arm (410) that extends away from the second surface of the latch plate (400) and an instrument latch arm (405) joined to the carriage latch arm (410). The instrument latch arm (405) extends through the instrument plate (430) and away from the first surface of the instrument plate (430). A connecting member (425) flexibly connects the carriage latch arm (410) and the instrument latch arm (405) to a remainder of the latch plate (400). The connecting member (425) may be perpendicular to the latch arms (405). The latch arms (405) may engage fixed locking surfaces in the instrument carriage (130) and the surgical instrument (120).