Modular Coupling Mechanism for Sterile Robot Arm End Effector Exchange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing robot arm systems require multiple specialized arms for different tasks, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, as well as the need for replacing entire arms when end effectors need modification, which is undesirable in both medical and industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

A modular coupling mechanism that allows for interchangeable end effectors on a single robot arm, using a standardized set of interface modules including arm mount, arm drape, and hand drape modules, which can be easily exchanged without breaking sterility, utilizing locking mechanisms for secure connections and electrical signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized robot arms are purchased for different tasks, then task-specific functionality is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask-specific functionalityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal robot arm system with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple different end effectors through a single interchangeable adapter mechanism. This allows one robot arm to perform multiple tasks by simply changing the end effector, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robot arms and reducing system cost while maintaining task-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm system is divided into separate functional modules: the robot arm itself, the interchangeable adapter, and the end effector. This segmentation allows the end effector to be independently replaced without affecting the robot arm, enabling versatile task execution while keeping the base system simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire robot arm is replaced when end effector needs modification, then end effector customization is improved, but time loss and operational efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector customizationVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the end effector from the robot arm through an interchangeable adapter interface. When end effector modification is needed, only the adapter and end effector are replaced, not the entire robot arm. This segmentation dramatically reduces replacement time and maintains operational efficiency while still allowing full end effector customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector and its adapter are extracted as a replaceable module from the robot arm system. This extraction allows the end effector to be independently removed and replaced without disturbing the robot arm structure, minimizing downtime and maximizing customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If end effectors are exchanged in sterile environments, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintaining sterility becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sterile adapter serves as an intermediary component between the robot arm and the end effector. The adapter includes a sterile barrier interface that allows exchange of end effectors while maintaining the sterile field. This intermediary mechanism enables operational flexibility in sterile environments without compromising sterility integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates sterile barriers in the form of thin film or shell structures that can be easily exchanged with the end effector. These flexible sterile barriers maintain the sterile environment while allowing the end effector to be replaced, combining operational flexibility with sterility maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11975445B2System for connecting end effectors to robot arms that operate under sterile conditions

Publication Date: 2024.05.07 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

An end effector is removably connected to a robot arm under sterile conditions with an arm mount module configured to be connected to the robot arm, and an arm drape module configured to be removably connected to the arm mount module by a first locking mechanism. A third module may be configured to be removably connected to the arm drape module by a second locking mechanism. A sterile hand drape module may be configured to be removably connected to the arm drape module by the second locking mechanism; and a hand mount module may be configured to be removably connected to the hand drape module by a third locking mechanism, and to be connected to the end effector or the hand mount module is the end effector itself. A transmission pathway for signals, electrical energy, or mechanical energy is provided between the robot arm and the end effector.