Parallel-Link Surgical Instrument Holder for Protected Cable Routing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical assistance devices face challenges in managing the movement of wiring members due to interference and damage, leading to increased size and cost when large spaces or strengthened members are provided.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument holding device with a first and second parallel link, supported by connectors and wiring supporters, which maintains a fixed distance between supporters, allowing the wiring member to rotate in-plane without significant length changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large spaces are provided to prevent interference and damage to the wiring member, then the wiring member is protected from damage, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring member protectionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional components: first and second link supporters for supporting the parallel links, and first and second wiring supporters for supporting the wiring member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive space, as each supporter is positioned and sized appropriately for its role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring member is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the parallel link. This dimensional change allows the wiring member to be routed through the connector structure in three-dimensional space, reducing the planar space required and avoiding interference with other members while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If strengthened members are provided to prevent damage to the wiring member, then the wiring member is protected from damage, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring member protectionVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional components: first and second link supporters for supporting the parallel links, and first and second wiring supporters for supporting the wiring member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive space, as each supporter is positioned and sized appropriately for its role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring member is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the parallel link. This dimensional change allows the wiring member to be routed through the connector structure in three-dimensional space, reducing the planar space required and avoiding interference with other members while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wiring member is allowed to move freely with parallel link movement, then the parallel link can operate freely, but the wiring member may interfere with other members or suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel link movement freedomVSAvoidwiring member protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second wiring supporters are configured to support the wiring member while allowing it to move dynamically with the parallel link's motion. The wiring member can change its position and bending degree according to the pose of the parallel link, maintaining adaptability while preventing excessive movement through the structured support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second wiring supporters act as intermediary elements between the parallel link and the wiring member. These supporters guide the wiring member's movement and maintain appropriate positioning, preventing direct interference with other members while allowing the parallel link to operate freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12527643B2Surgical instrument holding device and surgical assistance device

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 RIVERFIELD INC

AI summary

A surgical instrument holding device includes first and second parallel links, a wiring member and a connector. The first parallel link has two first link portions arranged in parallel with each other, each having one end in an axial direction as a first end portion. The second parallel link has two second link portions arranged in parallel with each other, each having one end in an axial direction as a second end portion. The wiring member is disposed along the parallel links. The connector has two first link supporters by which the respective first end portions are rotatably supported, two second link supporters by which the respective second end portions are rotatably supported, a first wiring supporter that supports the wiring member on a part between the two first link supporters, and a second wiring supporter that supports the wiring member on a part between the two second link supporters.