Surgical Robot Arm Control Without a Console for Precise Laparoscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgery supporting robots for laparoscopic surgery often require large consoles for operation, which can be difficult to install in operating rooms and limit the operational area, leading to interference with medical staff and equipment, and are complex to control, especially when manipulating multiple robot arms.
Innovation Solution
A surgery supporting apparatus that eliminates the need for a console by using a robot arm system with horizontal and linear-motion robot arms, controlled by sensors and motors to measure and adjust the angle and depth of surgical instruments, allowing for precise manipulation without a console, and includes a brake release switch for manual operation and vector manipulation modes to enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a console type surgery supporting robot is used to control multiple robot arms, then the manipulation precision and control capability are improved, but the apparatus size increases and the operational area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the large console from the surgery supporting robot system, replacing it with a compact control unit that can be integrated into the operating room without occupying excessive space. This allows the robot arms to have sufficient operational area while maintaining control capability through alternative manipulation interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control functions from the mechanical robot arm system, allowing the control unit to be separated from the robot arms. This segmentation enables the control unit to be positioned optimally in the operating room while the robot arms operate independently in the surgical field, resolving the space conflict.
2Area of stationary object
If a voice manipulating method is used to control a single robot arm, then the apparatus size is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the manipulation precision deteriorates when controlling complex surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts to different surgical instruments and procedures. The control unit can switch between different manipulation modes and adjust its response characteristics based on the specific surgical task, providing both ease of operation for simple tasks and precision for complex instrument manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the control system that provide real-time information about robot arm position, surgical instrument status, and surgical field conditions. This feedback enables the operator to make precise adjustments and maintains high manipulation precision even with a compact apparatus design.
3Productivity
If multiple robot arms are deployed to perform comprehensive surgical functions, then the productivity and surgical capability are improved, but the device complexity and interference between robot arms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical task among multiple specialized robot arms, each designed for specific functions such as retraction, dissection, or suturing. This functional segmentation reduces the complexity of coordinating general-purpose robot arms and minimizes interference by assigning distinct operational zones and tasks to each arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sophisticated control unit as an intermediary that coordinates the multiple robot arms. This control unit manages the complex interactions between arms, resolves potential conflicts, and optimizes their cooperative operation, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for the operator while maintaining high surgical capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgery supporting apparatus is capable of controlling a posture of a first surgical instrument (127) that is inserted into a body cavity and mechanically drivable, by using a second surgical instrument (131) to be inserted into the body cavity. The apparatus comprises: a robot arm (110, 120) configured to control the posture of the first surgical instrument attached to the robot arm; and control means (201) configured to control the motion of the robot arm such that the posture of the first surgical instrument is controlled in accordance with the posture of the second surgical instrument, in a case of a first mode, and control the motion of the robot arm in accordance with a manipulation including contact to the robot arm, in a case of a second mode.