Robotic Surgical Instrument Bidirectional Tab Lock Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face difficulties in efficiently attaching and removing surgical instruments from instrument drive units, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an instrument drive unit with a U-shaped opening and an adapter assembly featuring a tab lock that securely engages with the surgical instrument's tab, allowing for bidirectional coupling and easy attachment/removal through motor-activated movement of the adapter assembly along the instrument tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used for surgical instruments to instrument drive units, then the connection can be achieved, but the attachment and removal process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tab lock is designed to rotate between a locked position (where it engages the instrument tab) and an unlocked position (where it releases the instrument tab). The motor assembly dynamically moves the adapter assembly along the instrument tab to facilitate this rotation, enabling quick attachment and removal without manual manipulation of complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is configured to automatically return the tab lock to the locked position after the motor assembly moves the adapter assembly along the instrument tab. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, making the attachment process efficient and reliable.
2Reliability
If secure connection is achieved through traditional locking mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the instrument tab, the tab lock, the spring, and the motor assembly. Each component has a specific function, and they work together in a modular fashion. The tab lock can be independently rotated to engage or disengage from the instrument tab, while the spring independently provides the return force, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary between the motor assembly and the instrument tab. It translates the rotational motion of the motor into linear movement along the instrument tab, which then actuates the tab lock. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the direct connection requirements while ensuring reliable engagement.
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 solution enables quick and reliable attachment and detachment of surgical instruments, improving the usability and efficiency of robotic surgical systems by allowing for secure and controlled operation of the end effector.
Implementation Method 1
The tab lock may include a spring configured to bias the tab lock toward the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system for connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument detachably coupled to the instrument drive unit. The instrument drive unit includes a motor assembly and an adapter assembly. The motor assembly has a motor and a shaft extending from the motor. The adapter assembly includes an adapter body and a tab lock supported by the adapter body. The adapter body is connected to the shaft and movable along the shaft. The surgical instrument supports an instrument tab that is engagable with the tab lock to move the tab lock relative to the adapter body from a first position to a second position. The tab lock moves from the second position to the first position so that the adapter assembly secures to the instrument tab.