Segmented Surgical Holding Arm with Touch-Release Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding arms for surgical mechatronic assistance systems and surgical instruments are difficult to position precisely, relying heavily on the surgeon's skills, and are complex to operate, leading to potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A holding arm with an operating device that allows intuitive movement by releasing only the associated joint when contacted by the operator, enabling precise positioning of surgical instruments and assistance systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all joints are released when the operator touches the holding arm, then the holding arm becomes movable and can be repositioned, but it becomes difficult to achieve precise positioning and requires high operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arm is divided into multiple segments with individual joints that can be independently controlled. Each joint has its own release mechanism, allowing the operator to release only specific joints rather than all joints simultaneously. This segmentation enables gradual, controlled movement of individual segments while maintaining stability of other parts, thereby achieving both ease of operation and positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If a foot-operated valve is used to release all joints simultaneously, then the operation is simplified, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to loss of fine control
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single foot-operated valve controlling all joints, the system uses multiple independent release mechanisms (one for each joint) that can be selectively activated. This allows the operator to choose which joints to release based on the specific positioning task, maintaining both operational simplicity and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing joint release mechanism to a dynamic, selective release system. The operator can adaptively control which joints are released at any given time, allowing for fine-tuned positioning adjustments while maintaining overall operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding arm is designed as an exoskeleton that releases all joints upon contact, then it provides support to the operator, but it becomes complex to operate and increases error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton design is segmented into independent joint control units, each with its own release mechanism. This reduces operational complexity by allowing selective engagement of only the necessary joints for each task, rather than requiring coordination of all joints simultaneously. The adaptability is maintained through the ability to configure different joint combinations for different surgical tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a holding arm (1) for medical purposes, in particular for holding surgical mechatronic assistance systems and/or surgical instruments, with a proximal end (2) for securing the holding arm (1) on a base, and with a distal end (4) for receiving a surgical mechatronic assistance system and/or a surgical instrument; at least a first and a second arm segment (12, 14), wherein the first arm segment (12) is connected to a first joint (13) and the second arm segment (14) is connected to a second joint (15), wherein each joint (13, 15) is able to be released and to be locked. According to the invention, an operating means (28) is provided for bringing the holding arm (1) to a desired position, wherein the operating means (28) is designed such that, upon contact between an operator and one of the first and second arm segments (12, 14), it releases the associated joint (13, 15). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.