Surgical Robot Console Handle Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical robotic systems require cumbersome and time-consuming methods for camera motion control during minimally invasive surgery, leading to discomfort and fatigue for surgeons due to the need for manual handling and repositioning of controls.

Innovation Solution

A robotic surgical system with a console featuring a selector switch to transition between robotic control mode and camera control mode, allowing intuitive camera control using handles that maintain set positions and dead zones for precise and efficient camera movement, including pan, focus, and zoom functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual camera control methods are used (voice control, eye tracking, separate input controller), then camera control functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to surgeon fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera control operationVSAvoidtime to control camera

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines camera control functionality with the existing master console handles used for robotic instrument control. The selector switch integrates camera control mode into the same physical interface, eliminating the need for separate input controllers and reducing the cognitive and physical burden on the surgeon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master console handles are designed to serve multiple functions: controlling robotic instruments in robotic control mode and controlling camera functions in camera control mode. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls the surgeon must learn and manipulate, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual repositioning of handles is required during camera control, then camera positioning can be adjusted, but the surgeon experiences discomfort and fatigue from prolonged awkward positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera repositioningVSAvoidduration of handle repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions the master console handles at neutral positions and uses springs to automatically return them to these positions after camera control input. This eliminates the need for manual repositioning by the surgeon, reducing physical strain and discomfort during prolonged surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically returns the handles to their neutral positions after the surgeon releases them following camera control input. This self-service feature eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually reset the handles, reducing the duration and repetition of awkward hand positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system transitions between robotic control mode and camera control mode using separate controllers, then mode switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases and操作流程 becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both robotic control and camera control functions into a single master console with a selector switch. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate controllers for each function while maintaining full adaptability for both control modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If dead zones are implemented around handle set points, then accidental camera movements are prevented, but the precision of camera control is enhanced through controlled sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera control stabilityVSAvoidcamera position control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dead zones specifically around the handle set points where no camera control signal is generated, preventing accidental movements. Beyond these localized dead zones, the system provides precise camera control, creating different sensitivity characteristics in different spatial regions of the handle movement range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11529202B2Systems and methods for controlling a camera position in a surgical robotic system

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system includes at least one robot arm, a camera, and a console. The console includes a first handle, a second handle, and a selector switch configured to select between a robotic control mode and a camera control mode. In the system the first handle or the second handle control the at least one robot arm in the robotic control mode and the first handle and the second handle control the camera in the camera control mode.