Sterile Master Handle Rest for Switching Robotic Surgery Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a solution that allows surgeons to effectively alternate between robot-aided and traditional surgery within a single intervention, while maintaining sterility in the sterile operatory field, and simplifying the switching process between the two modes.

Innovation Solution

A master workstation comprising a mechanically ungrounded master input handle and a sterile drape with integrated sterile holders that provide a cavity for resting the handle when not in use, allowing easy access and maintaining sterility within the sterile operatory field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the surgeon uses a remote master console located outside the sterile operatory field, then the surgeon's comfort and ergonomics are improved, but communication problems arise between the surgeon and the surgical team

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgeon comfortVSAvoidcommunication effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The master console is made dynamically positionable within the sterile field through a mobile cart design, allowing the surgeon to adjust the console location to optimize both ergonomic comfort and communication with the surgical team while maintaining sterility through removable drape coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the surgeon attends the sterile operatory field to improve communication, then communication effectiveness is improved, but the surgeon cannot maintain ergonomic comfort and may contaminate the sterile field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidsurgeon comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile cart design enables the surgeon to dynamically position the master console at optimal locations within the sterile field, balancing communication needs with ergonomic requirements while maintaining sterility through removable drape coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the master input handle is placed outside the sterile field, then sterility is maintained, but the surgeon cannot easily access it during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidhandle accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into sterile and non-sterile zones using removable drape coverage on the mobile cart, allowing the master input handle to be positioned within the sterile field for easy access while maintaining sterility through the drape barrier that can be selectively removed or adjusted

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the master input handle is placed within the sterile field for easy access, then accessibility is improved, but sterility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidsterility maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile cart is divided into sterile and non-sterile sections using removable drape coverage, allowing the master input handle to reside in the sterile zone for easy access while the drape maintains the sterility barrier when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable drape coverage provides dynamic sterility control, allowing the surgeon to adjust or remove the drape temporarily for handle access while maintaining sterility during critical surgical phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Shape

If the surgical drape volume is reduced for better fit, then drape tightness is improved, but the drape may break more easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrape fitVSAvoiddrape durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drape system is segmented with strategic reinforcement zones at high-stress areas while maintaining reduced volume in non-critical areas, achieving both tight fit and durability through differentiated material distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical drape utilizes composite material construction combining different fabric layers with varying properties, where reinforcement layers are strategically placed to strengthen high-stress areas while maintaining overall drape flexibility and fit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4103092B1Master workstation for robotic surgery, sterile operatory field, surgical robotic system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 MEDICAL MICROINSTRUMENTS INC
  • EP4103092B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4103092B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4103092B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A master workstation (301) for a surgical robotic system (300) suitable for being located within a sterile operatory field (311) comprising a ungrounded master input handle (310), suitable for being hand held by a surgeon during surgery for controlling a slave robotic assembly (330) of said surgical robotic system (300); a console (302); a sterile drape (303) draping at least a portion of said console (302); at least one sterile holder (306); wherein said at least one sterile holder (306) comprises at least one cavity (345); at least one resting element (307) within said cavity (345) suitable for the master input handle (310) to rest thereon when said master input handle (310) is not hand held.