Surgical Robot Power Architecture for Selective UPS Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical robotic systems face inflexible power management configurations that prevent selective activation and deactivation of loads, leading to battery depletion in uninterruptible power supplies when disconnected from AC mains, and require complex electrical power supplies with multiple rails.

Innovation Solution

A power management architecture that allows independent activation and deactivation of powered components, incorporating a power ingress module to disconnect alternating current inputs from uninterruptible power supplies based on load demands, and a core controller to manage UPS operation for efficient power distribution and preservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single shut-off switch is used to control multiple loads, then the power supply configuration is simplified, but the system loses flexibility to selectively activate and deactivate individual loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply configurationVSAvoidselective load control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into separate modular units, each with its own shut-off switch and UPS device. Instead of one centralized switch controlling all loads, each load or load group has its own independent power control module, allowing selective activation and deactivation without affecting other loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic control of power distribution by allowing individual loads to be turned on or off independently based on operational requirements. The modular architecture with separate switches and UPS devices permits the system to adapt its power configuration in real-time, optimizing energy usage and maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If UPS remains running during AC mains disconnection, then power continuity is maintained, but battery depletion occurs after prolonged disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower continuityVSAvoidbattery depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the operational state of each load and communicates with the respective UPS device. When a load is deactivated or AC mains are disconnected, the controller sends signals to the UPS to shut down, preventing unnecessary battery consumption while maintaining power continuity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively shutting down UPS devices when loads are deactivated or AC power is lost, rather than allowing continuous operation. This prevents battery depletion before it occurs, preserving energy for when it is actually needed while maintaining reliability during operational periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical supply rails are used, then power distribution capability is enhanced, but the power management system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidpower management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power management system into independent modular units, each handling a specific supply rail or load group. This modularization allows the system to support multiple electrical supply rails and complex power distribution requirements while keeping each individual management module simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity through division of functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3952777B1Power management schemes for surgical systems
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3952777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3952777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surgical robotic system includes a robotic arm having at least one surgical instrument and a control device coupled to the robotic arm and configured to control the robotic arm, the control device including one or more components. The surgical robotic system also includes a power supply having: a tower power supply chassis configured to supply first direct current to the robotic arm; a power distribution unit configured to supply second direct current to the one or more components; a first uninterruptable power supply device coupled to the tower power supply chassis and configured to receive a first alternating current from a first alternating current input; and a second uninterruptable power supply device coupled to the power distribution unit and configured to receive a second alternating current from a second alternating current input.