Surgical Table Linkage Mechanisms for Robotic Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical table systems lack the flexibility to efficiently position robotic arms for various surgical procedures, limiting their ability to move between multiple positions relative to the surgical table, such as stowed, operating, and parked positions, which can obstruct access and hinder the performance of complex surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical table system with robotic arms that include multiple links and joints allowing movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, enabling the arms to be coupled to the table top, pedestal, or base, and featuring a releasable coupling mechanism for adjustable positioning, including a table interface structure with pivotally coupled link members providing rotational and vertical motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If robotic arms are fixedly coupled to the surgical table, then structural stability is improved, but positioning flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm mounting system transitions from a fixed coupling to a dynamic, multi-position coupling mechanism. The adapter assembly with pivotable link members enables the robotic arm to move between stowed, operating, and parked positions while maintaining stable coupling at each position through locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a table interface structure, pivotally coupled link members, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (providing support, enabling motion, or securing position) while working together to achieve both stability and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic arms are positioned for various surgical procedures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the robotic arm, enables movement between multiple positions, maintains stable coupling at each position, and accommodates different surgical procedures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotally coupled link members act as intermediaries between the fixed table interface and the movable robotic arm. These link members translate and accommodate movements in multiple directions, simplifying the overall mechanism by providing a flexible connection that naturally handles positioning requirements.
3Productivity
If robotic arms can move between multiple positions, then procedural efficiency is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the robotic arm to transition between positions during procedures. The pivotable link members and locking mechanisms enable efficient repositioning while maintaining stability during operation, improving procedural efficiency without requiring overly complex active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a surgical table and an adapter coupled thereto. The adapter includes an interface structure, a first link member coupled to a second link member, and a third link member coupled to a fourth link member. The first link member and the third link member are each pivotally coupled to the interface mechanism at a shared first pivot joint. The second link member and the fourth link member are each coupleable to a robotic arm. The first link member and the second link member collectively provide for movement of the first robotic arm in at least one of a lateral, longitudinal or vertical direction relative to the table top. The third link member and the fourth link member collectively provide for movement of the second robotic arm in at least one of a lateral, longitudinal or vertical direction relative to the table top.