Surgical Robot Instrument Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical robots require a manually performed and time-consuming process to switch surgical instruments, diverting the surgeon's focus away from the operation.

Innovation Solution

The surgical robot features a manipulator front end with a container holding multiple instruments and switching means that allow for automatic and quick instrument switching without repositioning the manipulator relative to the patient's body, using a guide for relative movement between the instrument receiver and container holders, and a clamping mechanism for secure instrument fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual instrument switching is performed in existing surgical robots, then the surgeon can change instruments, but the surgeon's focus is diverted away from the operation and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument switching automationVSAvoidinstrument switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple surgical instruments are pre-loaded into the container holders on the manipulator front end before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary preparation enables the switching means to automatically exchange instruments without requiring manual intervention during the operation, thereby eliminating time loss and maintaining surgical focus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switching means is designed to automatically perform instrument exchanges without surgeon intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically transferring instruments from container holders to the instrument receiver through automated actuation, eliminating the need for manual switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are carried on the manipulator front end, then instrument switching becomes possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument varietyVSAvoidmanipulator front end structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container holders are integrated directly into the manipulator front end structure, with multiple holders nested or arranged on the same component. This nesting approach allows multiple instruments to be carried without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the holders share common mounting structures and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching means is designed as a universal mechanism that can handle different types of surgical instruments through a standardized interface. The container holders and switching mechanism serve multiple functions: holding various instruments, selecting among them, and automatically exchanging them, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each instrument type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9655681B2Surgical robot, instrument manipulator, combination of an operating table and a surgical robot, and master-slave operating system

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 PRECEYES BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a surgical robot for performing surgery of the minimally invasive type, comprising an instrument manipulator having a manipulator front end, which is provided with an instrument receiver for receiving therein a surgical instrument, and manipulating means for, at least in use, manipulating the manipulator front end with respect to a patient body. The manipulator front end further comprises a container for receiving therein the surgical instrument. The invention further relates to an instrument manipulator, a combination of an operating table and a surgical robot, and a master-slave operating system.