Shrink Sterile Drape With Self-Aligning Optical Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical drapes used to cover surgical robots and imaging devices often cause optical signal distortion and require manual alignment of optical windows, leading to user error and movement during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A shrinkable sterile drape with integrated optical windows that conform to the surface of surgical tools when heated, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing optical distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual alignment of optical windows is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to user error and movement during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The drape automatically aligns itself to the surgical robot surface through heat shrinkage, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations. The optical windows self-position relative to the robot features without user intervention, preventing user error while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The drape material undergoes a parameter change through heat shrinkage, transitioning from a loose fit to a tightly conforming state. This physical transformation automatically positions the optical windows correctly relative to the robot features, achieving high alignment precision without complex manufacturing
2Manufacturing precision
If heat-shrinkable material is used, then manufacturing precision is improved through automatic alignment, but device complexity increases due to heat application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-shrinkable drape performs the alignment function automatically through its own physical properties. The material self-adjusts to conform to the robot surface and position optical windows correctly, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms or devices
Solution Approach 2:
The drape utilizes a phase transition or physical state change through heat shrinkage, where the material properties change from a relaxed state to a contracted state. This simple physical phenomenon achieves precise alignment without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems
3Reliability
If optical windows are made stationary relative to imaging devices, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment is performed preliminarily during drape application through heat shrinkage. Once the drape shrinks and conforms to the robot surface, the optical windows are permanently positioned correctly. This preliminary alignment action ensures stability throughout the procedure without requiring subsequent adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical adjustment system is replaced with a thermal shrinkage system. Instead of manually positioning and securing optical windows through mechanical means, the drape uses heat-induced contraction to automatically position windows, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms while ensuring stable alignment
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 solution reduces optical distortion and user error by automatically aligning optical windows with imaging devices and markers, maintaining clear visibility and functionality during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion configured to shrink relative to the first portion in the presence of heat
Implementation Method 2
an optical window disposed in the second portion and configured to permit passage of light therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A shrink sterile drape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first portion; a second portion configured to shrink relative to the first portion in the presence of heat; and an optical window disposed in the second portion and configured to permit passage of light therethrough.