Surgical Robot Haptic Interface for Reduced Training Burden
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems require specialized control systems that necessitate lengthy training for surgeons, leading to a loss of proficiency with non-robotic surgical systems and techniques.
Innovation Solution
A control system for robotic surgical systems that includes a housing with a controller, a socket for a handheld surgical user interface, sensors to convert movement into electrical signals, and feedback devices to simulate the use of non-robotic surgical instruments, providing haptic and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If specialized control systems are used for robotic surgical systems, then the robotic surgical system can be controlled with precision and automation, but the training time for surgeons increases and proficiency with non-robotic systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that detect forces, torques, and positions, providing real-time feedback to the robotic surgical system. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its operations based on actual conditions, reducing the need for extensive training while maintaining precision through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for surgeons to manually manipulate complex mechanical controls, thereby reducing training time while maintaining or improving control precision through computational algorithms.
2Reliability
If specialized control systems are used for robotic surgical systems, then automation and precision are improved, but ease of operation decreases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to accommodate multiple surgical instruments and procedures through a universal interface. The system can adapt to different end effectors and surgical tasks without requiring separate specialized controls for each, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable precision control across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control layer between the surgeon's input and the robotic system's execution. This intermediary layer includes signal processors and adaptive controllers that translate simple user inputs into precise robotic actions, shielding the user from underlying system complexity while maintaining high reliability and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic surgical systems are introduced, then surgical precision and capabilities are enhanced, but loss of proficiency with non-robotic systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates dynamic adaptability features that allow it to switch between robotic and non-robotic control modes. The system can dynamically adjust its behavior based on the surgical context, providing robotic precision when needed while maintaining compatibility with traditional surgical techniques, thereby preventing loss of proficiency across different surgical modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular components that can independently handle robotic functions and traditional surgical functions. This segmentation allows surgeons to use robotic capabilities when available while falling back to conventional control methods, maintaining versatility and preventing dependency solely on robotic 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
Enables surgeons with minimal training to operate robotic surgical systems effectively, maintaining proficiency with both robotic and non-robotic systems by simulating the feel and operation of non-robotic instruments through haptic and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
feedback devices to simulate the use of non-robotic surgical instruments, providing haptic and tactile feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.