Surgical Instrument Connector Feedback for Accurate Tool Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robots lack effective mechanisms for detecting and managing the connection status of surgical instruments, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with rotatable jaws, a handle, and a connector system using first and second connection members to detect and manage the connection status, including a reuse prevention unit and a power generation unit for controlling the instrument's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are made detachable for flexibility and ease of replacement, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of connection errors and reuse mistakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the handle detects the connection status of the end tool through electrical contacts (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth contacts) and provides real-time feedback to the operator. The system detects whether the end tool is properly connected by verifying electrical continuity through the connection members, preventing connection errors while maintaining instrument replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection members as intermediary components between the handle and end tool. These connection members include electrical contacts that act as mediators to verify the connection status. The intermediary structure ensures proper mating and provides a reliable detection mechanism to prevent reuse errors while allowing instrument detachment and replacement.
2Reliability
If connection detection mechanisms are added to ensure reliability, then connection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connection members to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same connection members that mechanically connect the handle and end tool also contain electrical contacts for detecting connection status. This multi-functional design achieves reliable connection detection without adding separate complex detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical detection function into a single integrated connection member structure. The electrical contacts are embedded within the mechanical connection components, combining two functions into one unified structure. This merging approach achieves reliable connection detection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrical contacts are used for comprehensive status detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electrical contacts (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth contacts) within the connection members to detect various aspects of connection status. Each contact serves a specific detection purpose, such as verifying different parts of the connection interface. This multi-contact approach achieves high measurement precision for connection status while using the same connection members that provide mechanical connection, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end tool including one or more jaws formed to be rotatable, a handle configured to control a motion of the end tool and detect a mounting of at least one component directly or indirectly connected thereto, and a connector formed to connect between the handle and the end tool through a first connection member and a second connection member, wherein the first connection member includes one end to which a first contact of the end tool is connected and another end to which a third contact of the handle is connected, and the second connection member includes one end to which a second contact of the end tool is connected and another end to which a fourth contact and a fifth contact of the handle are connected.