Surgical Robotic Power Management via Cable State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical robotic systems require streamlined power management to control complex electrical power supplies effectively, given their multiple electrical supply rails and backup units.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system for surgical robotic systems that includes a controller to manage power distribution based on connection status and status signals, with isolation barriers for galvanic isolation and a cable state detection circuit to prevent power termination due to intermittent connections or status signal deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller is configured to terminate power supply based on connection status or status signal deviations, then power management reliability is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to potential power termination during intermittent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a debounce mechanism that waits for a predetermined period before terminating power supply. This cushioning period allows temporary connection fluctuations to resolve themselves without triggering immediate power termination, thereby preventing system instability while maintaining reliability against genuine connection failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting connection status changes and initiating a debounce timer before executing power termination. This preliminary timing action ensures that transient connection issues do not immediately result in power loss, maintaining system stability while still protecting against sustained connection failures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If galvanic isolation barriers are implemented between power supply and controller, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing galvanic isolation barriers as intermediate components between the power supply and controller. These isolation barriers (including optocouplers and isolation transformers) act as mediators that allow electrical signals to pass while blocking harmful electrical coupling, thereby improving safety without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the power supply system into electrically isolated sections using isolation barriers. This segmentation allows the power supply and controller to operate independently with limited electrical interaction, improving safety while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular isolation design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supplies are distributed to movable carts, then system adaptability is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by distributing separate power supplies to each movable cart, allowing independent power management for each module. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different configurations and positions of movable carts while managing complexity through modular, independent power supply units rather than a single complex centralized system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and efficient power management by preventing power supply termination due to connection issues or status signal deviations, maintaining system stability and safety during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a cable state detection circuit configured to detect a connection signal indicative of a connection status of the cable
Implementation Method 2
an isolation barrier galvanically isolating the power supply from the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical robotic system includes at least one movable cart including a robotic arm having a surgical instrument. The surgical robotic system also includes a control tower including a power supply system coupled to the at least one movable cart via a cable. The power supply system includes: a power supply configured to output a voltage signal to power the at least one movable cart and at least one status signal; a cable state detection circuit configured to detect a connection signal indicative of a connection status of the cable; and a controller coupled to the cable state detection circuit and the power supply, the controller configured to control the power supply based on the connection status of the cable and the at least one status signal.