Surgical Driver Interface Attachment Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in reliably detecting the attachment of surgical instruments to robot arms, which is crucial for ensuring accurate and safe surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A driver interface with a rotatable engagement member, actuator, detection member, and sensor configuration that moves in conjunction with the drive transmission member to detect contact and confirm attachment of surgical instruments to the robot arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable connection system with adaptor is used to connect surgical instrument to robot arm, then the versatility and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability of attachment detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A detection pin is introduced as an intermediary element between the surgical instrument and the driver interface. The detection pin extends from the driver interface and interacts with a detection hole in the surgical instrument to transmit attachment status information, enabling reliable detection while maintaining the detachable connection system's versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a simpler magnetic field-based detection mechanism. A magnet attached to the detection pin interacts with a Hall effect sensor to detect attachment status, substituting complex mechanical linkages with a more reliable and easier-to-implement magnetic sensing system
2Measurement precision
If complex detection mechanisms are used to ensure reliable attachment detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the main mechanical connection system and implemented as a separate, simple magnetic sensing mechanism. The detection pin with magnet and Hall effect sensor operates independently from the drive transmission components, providing precise attachment detection without adding complexity to the overall mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The Hall effect sensor detects the magnetic field changes caused by the magnet on the detection pin, providing precise attachment status detection with significantly simplified mechanics compared to traditional mechanical linkages and sensors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables reliable detection of surgical instrument attachment, enhancing the safety and accuracy of robotic surgical procedures by ensuring proper instrument alignment and attachment before operation.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is fixed to a proximal end of the detection pin. A carriage controller provides an indication that the surgical instrument is present on the instrument carriage when movement of the detection pin causes an output signal from a Hall effect sensor to exceed a presence threshold value
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver interface according to an embodiment may include an engagement member, an actuator, a detection member, and a sensor. The engagement member includes an engagement protrusion protruding from a surface of the engagement member and provided corresponding to an engagement recess provided at a drive transmission member rotatably provided in an adaptor. The actuator is configured to rotate the engagement member. The detection member is movable in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the engagement member. The sensor detects the detection member that has moved as a result of contact with a part of the drive transmission member.