Surgical Instrument Interface for Robotic Arm Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgery assist robots require dedicated surgical instruments, limiting the use of manually operated surgical instruments already owned by hospitals, which cannot be operated by these robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
An interface is developed that connects manual surgical instruments to a robotic arm's driver, allowing existing manual surgical instruments to be operated by transmitting driving forces through a driven unit and manipulation portions, with a surgical instrument holder for easy attachment and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical instruments are manufactured as dedicated products compatible with the robot manipulator mechanism, then the robot manipulator can operate the surgical tool reliably, but existing manual surgical instruments owned by hospitals cannot be operated by the robot manipulator
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a driver unit that receives driving forces from the robot manipulator and a manipulation unit that transmits these forces to the surgical instrument. This multi-functional design allows the same device to interface with both the robotic system and various manual surgical instruments, enabling universal compatibility without requiring dedicated instruments for each robot model.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device functions as an intermediary component between the robot manipulator and the surgical instrument. It includes a driven unit that connects to the driver and a manipulation portion that connects to the surgical instrument, mediating the transmission of driving forces. This intermediary structure enables existing manual surgical instruments to be operated by the robot manipulator without modifying the instruments themselves.
2Extent of automation
If a dedicated surgical instrument is manufactured for the robot manipulator, then the instrument can be precisely controlled by the robot mechanism, but the hospital cannot use existing manual surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device serves as a mediator that enables robotic control of existing manual instruments. The driven unit receives precise control signals and driving forces from the robot manipulator, while the manipulation portion transfers these forces to the surgical instrument through mechanical connection. This allows hospitals to continue using existing manual instruments while achieving robotic-level precision and automation.
3Power
If the surgical instrument is designed with specific connection mechanisms for the robot, then the robot can drive the instrument effectively, but the attachment and positioning becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is segmented into distinct functional units: a driven unit with connection portions for the driver, a manipulation portion with operation portions for the surgical instrument, and a holder for positioning. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The connection portions and operation portions can be independently designed and attached, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to universally hold various types of surgical instruments through positioning mechanisms that accommodate different instrument geometries. This universal holding capability simplifies the attachment process across different instrument types while maintaining effective power transmission from the robot manipulator through the interface device to the surgical instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface according to an embodiment may be arranged between a driver provided to a robotic arm and a manual surgical instrument. The interface includes: a driven unit to be connected to the driver and be driven by a driving force transmitted from the driver provided to the robotic arm; a manipulation portion to be driven by a driving force transmitted by the driven unit to manipulate an operation-target portion of the manual surgical instrument; and a surgical instrument holder configured to hold the manual surgical instrument in a state where the operation-target portion of the manual surgical instrument is positioned with respect to the manipulation portion.