Surgical Articulated Arm Trench Cable Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated mechanical arms face challenges in maintaining mechanical integrity and accuracy during repetitive movements, particularly in applications requiring precise control and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulated mechanical arm featuring a tubular structure with coupled longitudinal sections, including rigid and flexible portions, where a trench is formed along the tubular structure's axis and covered with a cover to house control cables, enhancing mechanical integrity and control accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If control cables are exposed along the articulated arm, then ease of installation is improved, but mechanical integrity and control accuracy deteriorate due to friction wear and cable displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control cables are nested within the tubular structure of the articulated arm, specifically housed in a trench formed on the outer surface of the tube. This nesting approach protects the cables from external damage and friction wear while maintaining the compact structure of the articulated arm.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component to house the control cables within the trench. This cover protects the cables from displacement and friction wear, while the combination of cover and trench maintains the outer contour of the tubular structure, preserving mechanical integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If control cables are exposed along the articulated arm, then ease of installation is improved, but control accuracy deteriorates due to cable displacement and friction wear
Solution Approach 1:
The control cables are nested within the trench and covered by a cover element, which prevents cable displacement during repetitive movements. This ensures consistent cable positioning and maintains control accuracy throughout the operational life of the articulated arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element acts as an intermediary that secures the control cables in their proper positions within the trench. This prevents friction wear and cable displacement, thereby maintaining the precision of control signals transmitted through the cables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tubular structure is cut to create a trench, then cable housing capability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trench is formed by cutting only a portion of the tube wall, creating a flexible groove that can accommodate control cables. The remaining tube structure maintains its structural integrity, while the trench provides the necessary cable housing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover element is used to close the trench, restoring the continuity of the tubular structure. This cover reinforces the area where material was removed, compensating for the potential strength reduction while still allowing cable housing functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An articulated arm including: a tubular structure comprising a plurality of coupled longitudinal sections including: at least one rigid portion; and at least one flexible portion comprising a plurality of connected annular portions; wherein the tubular structure includes: a trench formed along a long axis of the tubular structure and extending along the plurality of coupled longitudinal sections; and a cover attached to the tubular structure and covering at least a portion of the trench.