Symmetric Release Levers for Sterile Robotic Instrument Docking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic medical systems face challenges in efficiently and smoothly releasing medical instruments from docking structures without compromising the sterile environment, which is crucial for maintaining instrument sterility and simplifying instrument exchange during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument with a release mechanism featuring a pair of release levers and push tabs that symmetrically disengage the instrument from docking structures by pushing on opposite edges of a retention plate, allowing for easy removal while maintaining the sterile barrier integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile barrier is used between medical instruments and the robot, then instrument sterility is maintained, but instrument exchange becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two independent release levers (first and second release levers) that can operate symmetrically on opposite sides of the instrument backend. Each lever independently engages with the retention plate, allowing the complex sterile barrier system to be segmented into manageable release points that simplify the exchange process while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention plate acts as an intermediary component between the instrument backend and the docking structure. It provides a controlled interface that the release levers interact with to achieve disengagement, mediating the separation between the sterile instrument side and the non-sterile robot side without compromising either.
2Reliability
If a secure docking mechanism is used, then instrument connection reliability is improved, but release difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release levers are designed with asymmetric geometry where the activation features (buttons) are positioned differently from the push tabs. This asymmetric design allows for easy activation during instrument exchange while maintaining secure docking during operation, as the lever geometry provides mechanical advantage in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The release levers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the docking and release processes. The levers can rotate or move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing a dynamic solution that adapts to both secure connection needs and easy release requirements.
3Device complexity
If manual release mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but release precision and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-actuating through the coupling between the two release levers. When one lever is activated, the coupling automatically positions and actuates the second lever, providing precise control without requiring complex external actuation systems or multiple independent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second release levers are coupled to work together as a unified mechanism, merging two independent release actions into a coordinated system. This coupling ensures precise and controlled release while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate control systems for each lever.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes a backend and a pair of release elements. The backend includes a docking feature shaped to engage a docking structure such as a docking port of a surgical robot or a sterile adaptor for a surgical robot. Each release element is coupled to the backend and may include an activation feature on one side of the backend and a push tab extending from either an opposite side or the same side of the backend. Movement of the activation features moves the push tabs from being aligned with the docking feature to pushing on the docking structure, permitting the medical instrument to be disengaged from the docking structure. Optionally, a coupling of the release elements limits a movement of the activation features.