Sterile Drape Assembly Roll Fold Design for Robotic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in maintaining sterility and ease of cleaning due to the complexity of draping robotic arms, which often requires cumbersome breakable tear labels and telescoping patterns that can lead to contamination and increased setup time.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape assembly with a roll fold design and locking assemblies that automatically open to accommodate robotic arms, eliminating the need for breakable tear labels and simplifying the draping process, while maintaining sterility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional draping methods with breakable tear labels and telescoping patterns are used, then sterility can be maintained, but the setup complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drape is divided into multiple sleeves (first sleeve, second sleeve, third sleeve) that can be independently positioned on each robotic arm. Each sleeve is a separate component that can be individually managed, allowing for simpler assembly and maintenance of sterility without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arms are inserted into the sleeves in a nested configuration, with each robotic arm fitting within its corresponding sleeve. This nested arrangement allows the sterile drape to envelop the robotic arms while maintaining easy access and simple deployment without complex fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional draping methods with breakable tear labels are used, then sterility can be maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the breakable tear label component entirely from the drape system. Instead of relying on fragile labels that can break and contaminate the sterile field, the drape uses alternative attachment methods such as elastic bands and friction-fit mechanisms that maintain sterility without introducing contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape assembly appears to be designed as a disposable sterile component that is applied once and then removed or discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex re-sterilization processes and reduces contamination risks associated with repeated handling and potential damage to reusable components.
3Reliability
If traditional draping methods are used, then sterility can be maintained, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drape is pre-configured with sleeves that are ready to receive the robotic arms in their proper positions. The elastic bands and locking assemblies are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the robotic arms as they are inserted, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and securing operations during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape incorporates self-adjusting features such as elastic bands that automatically tension and locking assemblies that engage automatically when the robotic arms are inserted. These self-service mechanisms eliminate the need for manual fastening and adjustment, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining sterility.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a first sterile adapter and a sterile drape. The first sterile adapter is configured to be received by a first movable robotic arm of a robotic surgical system. The sterile drape includes a first sleeve configured to extend over the first movable robotic arm. The first sleeve includes a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled with the first sterile adapter. The first end is inverted toward the second end. The intermediate portion includes a first roll.