Surgical Cart Docking for Securing Monitor and Camera Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical carts with unsecured arms and devices can cause damage and instability during transportation due to unintended movement, posing risks to components and personnel, exacerbated by the increasing complexity of surgical technology and the use of multiple carts.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of docking features and locking mechanisms on surgical carts to securely couple and lock devices, such as surgical monitors and navigation cameras, to the base, limiting relative movement and preventing collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If arms and devices are left free to move on surgical carts, then ease of operation and positioning is improved, but stability and safety deteriorate during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of positioningVSAvoidstability during transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements docking features that automatically engage arms and devices when the cart is stationary for use, while allowing free movement during transportation. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual securing/unsecuring by the operator, as the system is pre-configured to be secure during transport and accessible during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the state of arms and devices changes based on operational context. During transportation, arms are secured in fixed positions; during surgical use, arms are released for free movement and positioning. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by adapting the restraint level to the current operational phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple arms and devices are added to surgical carts to support advanced surgical technology, then functionality and versatility are improved, but the risk of collision and instability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the surgical cart system into independent modular units, each with its own docking feature. Each arm and device can be individually secured or released without affecting others, allowing multiple components to coexist safely. This segmentation enables advanced functionality while maintaining individual control over each component's movement and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If docking features are implemented to secure arms and devices, then stability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during transportVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the securing function from complex locking mechanisms and implements it through simple docking features that passively engage arms and devices. The docking features are integrated into the cart structure in a way that minimizes additional components, achieving stability through straightforward geometric engagement rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029005A1Techniques For Securing Together Components Of One Or More Surgical Carts

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 MAKO SURGICAL CORP

AI summary

A surgical cart includes a moveable base with wheels and a pillar extending from the base. First and second adjustable arms extend from the pillar. A navigation camera unit is coupled to the first adjustable arm and include a camera handle that extends from the navigation camera unit. A surgical monitor is coupled to the second adjustable arm and has a monitor screen and a docking feature fixed to a back panel of the surgical monitor. The camera handle is engageable with the docking feature to selectively couple together, and to limit relative movement between, the navigation camera unit and the surgical monitor.