Surgical Interface Coupling With Play-Free Centering Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical mounting arms lack flexibility and safety, particularly in endoscopic surgery, as they are limited to specific tasks and may cause patient injury due to inadequate interface compatibility and manufacturing inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A medical mechatronic male and female interface device with centering mechanisms and mechanical coupling means, featuring non-parallel functional surfaces and undercuts, allows for secure, play-free coupling of surgical assistance systems to various mounting structures, enhancing flexibility and safety by compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies and preventing unwanted releases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If passive mounting arms with braked joints are used, then user static effort is relieved, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot be easily repositioned during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser static effort reliefVSAvoidSystem flexibility and repositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arm transitions from a purely passive static structure to a dynamic system with active drives in the joints. The active drives enable controlled movement and repositioning while maintaining the ability to hold position when needed, thus providing both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arm is designed with universal interfaces and active control capabilities that allow it to perform multiple functions: supporting instruments statically, repositioning dynamically, and adapting to different surgical configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between providing static support and enabling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard clamp interfaces are used for mounting, then the mounting arm can be attached to operating tables, but manufacturing inaccuracies cause play and reduce coupling precision

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInterface compatibilityVSAvoidCoupling precision and play-free connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interface design incorporates preliminary centering features and tolerance compensation mechanisms that automatically align and center the mounting arm on the interface before final coupling. This preliminary action eliminates play and ensures precise coupling even with manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design allows for parameter changes in the coupling geometry and tolerance ranges to accommodate manufacturing inaccuracies while maintaining precise, play-free connections. This includes adjustable coupling parameters and tolerance compensation features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the mounting arm is designed for specific tasks only, then the design can be simplified, but the system lacks flexibility for different surgical applications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDesign simplicityVSAvoidTask flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arm is designed with universal interfaces, adjustable parameters, and active control capabilities that enable it to perform multiple surgical tasks. This multi-functionality is achieved without excessive complexity through modular design and standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arm is divided into modular segments with standardized interfaces, allowing different configurations and attachments for various surgical tasks. This segmentation enables task flexibility while keeping individual components relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the interface coupling is made secure to prevent unwanted releases, then patient safety is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConnection stability and safetyVSAvoidAttachment and detachment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism uses dynamic elements such as spring-loaded locking features or actuated release mechanisms that provide secure attachment during surgery but allow easy release when needed. This dynamic design maintains both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11980353B2Medical mechatronic male and female interface device

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 BRAINLAB ROBOTICS GMBH

AI summary

A medical mechatronic male interface device couples a surgical assistance system to a mount. The male interface device includes a base including an end face and a functional body extending from the end face, a first mechanical coupling for positive and/or non-positive coupling to a medical mechatronic female interface device, and at least one first electronic interface configured to connect to a second electronic interface of the female interface device. The functional body includes a centering device that centers the surgical assistance system free of play relative to the base. The centering device includes a first functional surface, a second functional surface, and a third functional surface that together at least partially define a three-sided pyramid. The first mechanical coupling includes a first undercut and a second undercut on the functional body that each define a segment engageable from behind.