Robotic Surgical Attachment Power Cell Peak Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in precise control and sufficient mechanical force due to complex power transmission systems and the remote location of motors, which can lead to decreased precision and increased risk of electrical shock during procedures requiring full thickness resection or transection of thick tissue.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained robotic surgical system with a surgical attachment featuring a power cell that accumulates energy during idle states and discharges during peak loads, coupled with a manipulation unit for electrical power transfer and a control station for precise positioning, reducing the need for complex power transmission and minimizing electrical shock risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are mounted remotely from the surgical shaft, then the surgical attachment can be self-contained with integrated power, but the power transmission complexity and loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a remote actuator mounted on the surgical attachment and a separate power source (power cell) integrated into the same attachment. This segmentation allows the actuator to be positioned optimally for surgical procedures while the power source is independently managed, reducing the complexity of power transmission over extended distances.
Solution Approach 2:
A power cell acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the remote actuator and the external power source. The power cell receives electrical power from the manipulation unit and stores it, then delivers it to the actuator during peak loads, effectively mediating the power transmission and reducing the need for complex high-power transmission systems over long distances.
2Force
If high power motors are used to provide sufficient mechanical force, then the surgical capability is improved, but the risk of electrical shock to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power cell serves as an intermediary that decouples the high-power motor from the external power source. It receives power at controlled levels from the manipulation unit and stores energy, then releases it at the required power levels locally at the surgical attachment. This intermediary approach allows high-power operation without directly exposing the patient to high-voltage electrical sources, thereby reducing shock risk while maintaining surgical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional high-voltage electrical power transmission with a low-voltage charging mechanism and localized energy storage. Instead of transmitting high power directly through the shaft, electrical power is transmitted at lower voltages to charge the power cell, which then provides the necessary mechanical power through the actuator. This substitution reduces electrical shock risk while maintaining the required mechanical force.
3Ease of operation
If servomotors and cables are used for actuation, then the system can be remotely controlled, but the mechanical advantage and power delivery are insufficient for thick tissue procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional servo-motor/cable/pulley mechanical transmission system with an electrically-driven actuator powered by an integrated power cell. This substitution eliminates the cable and pulley system that causes power loss and insufficient mechanical advantage, while maintaining remote control capability through electrical signals. The direct electric motor drive provides significantly higher mechanical power delivery for thick tissue procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters by using a power cell that can store and release electrical energy at high power levels. This allows the actuator to deliver the necessary mechanical power for thick tissue procedures while maintaining the ability to be remotely controlled. The power cell's energy storage capability enables high-power output without requiring complex mechanical power transmission systems.
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
This configuration allows for precise and efficient transmission of mechanical force directly to the surgical site, reducing the risk of electrical shock and enhancing procedural precision by using a power cell to supplement the continuous power source during peak loads.
Implementation Method 1
a power cell configured to accumulate stored electrical energy during an idle state of the actuator and to discharge at least a portion of the stored energy to power the actuator during a peak load
Implementation Method 2
the mounting of the surgical attachment to the manipulation unit allows an electrical current to be transferred from the manipulation unit to the surgical attachment to provide electrical power to the actuator and to charge the power cell
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical attachment includes a surgical tool, an actuator configured to drive the surgical tool, and a power cell for providing electrical power to the actuator, the power cell being configured to accumulate stored electrical energy during an idle state of the actuator and to discharge at least a portion of the stored energy to power the actuator during a peak load of the actuator.