Quick-Connect Surgical Mounting with Tool-Free Retainer Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical robotic systems require excessive installation time and multiple individuals to mount and unmount components, such as end effectors and robotic arms, due to the need for fasteners and supplemental tools, leading to inefficiencies in securing these components.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a first and second mounting portion, where the second portion has a body with a bore and openings, and a loading assembly that moves retainers to secure the first portion via a push pin, allowing for quick coupling and decoupling without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to rigidly secure the end effector to the robotic arm, then the coupling strength is improved, but the installation time increases and additional tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) from the mounting system and replaces them with a spring-loaded retainer mechanism. The retainer is extracted from the body and positioned in a recess, allowing it to engage with the mounting surface without requiring external fastening tools. This extraction eliminates the need for supplemental tools and reduces installation time while maintaining coupling strength through the spring-loaded engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retainer mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the mounting surface is inserted into the body, the retainer automatically engages with the surface through spring force, securing the end effector without requiring external tools or multiple individuals. The system serves itself by using the insertion action to trigger the locking mechanism, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the mounting components, then the reliability of the coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retainer mechanism. The spring-loaded retainer combines the functions of multiple fasteners by using elastic deformation to provide both the locking force and the securing action. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and their associated installation procedures, while maintaining coupling reliability through the robust spring-loaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the retainer from a rigid fastener to an elastic, spring-loaded component. This parameter change allows the retainer to deform elastically during engagement, providing a reliable locking mechanism that accommodates minor misalignments and maintains consistent coupling force. The elastic property enables the retainer to serve multiple fastening functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then the mounting security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring supplemental tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts traditional fasteners and their associated tools from the mounting system, replacing them with a tool-free retainer mechanism. The retainer is positioned in a recess and engages automatically when the mounting surface is inserted, eliminating the need for supplemental tools. This extraction maintains mounting security through the spring-loaded engagement while dramatically improving ease of operation by allowing single-person, tool-free installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be self-servicing, where the act of inserting the mounting surface automatically triggers the retainer engagement. The spring-loaded mechanism self-actuates during insertion, securing the end effector without requiring external tools or manual manipulation. This self-service design maintains reliable mounting security while maximizing ease of operation, allowing any individual to perform the mounting task independently and quickly.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting two components together includes a first mounting portion having a first body. A lip and a push pin that is spaced from the lip extend from the first body. The mounting system includes a second mounting portion for coupling to the first mounting portion. The second mounting portion has a second body defining a bore. Retainers are moveable within openings of the second body. A loading assembly is disposed in the bore of the second body. The loading assembly is moveable to a first state. In the first state, the loading assembly moves the retainers to a coupling position where each retainer extends through one opening beyond an outer surface of the second body. In the coupling position, each retainer abuts the lip of the first mounting portion to secure the mounting portions together.