Surgical Tool Control Unit with Scaled Shaft Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical tool controllers are bulky, difficult to operate, and require significant coordination, limiting intuitive and precise control of surgical tools.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a palm interface fixed to a housing and a sensing unit that translates the rotation angle of the housing into a scaled rotation of the articulating shaft, combined with a finger interface for precise control of the effector end, using motors and inertial measurement units for precise maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional robotic surgical tool controllers are used, then precise control of surgical tools is achieved, but the device becomes large, heavy, and requires the surgeon to sit away from the patient bed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functions from a separate large console and integrates them directly into the surgical tool shaft itself. The control unit is positioned at the proximal end of the shaft, allowing the surgeon to control the tool while standing next to the patient bed, eliminating the need for a separate heavy console system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the articulation of the shaft, operates the effector end, and provides a user interface for both manual and motorized control modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate systems into a single integrated unit.
2Ease of operation
If hand/finger levers or handles are used for control, then operation is enabled, but a high degree of coordination is required to smoothly operate the robotic surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where a rotationally neutral effector end can be rotated relative to the shaft axis through a control interface. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotational input into controlled effector movement, reducing the coordination burden on the surgeon while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the relationship between the effector end rotation and shaft articulation based on the operational mode (manual vs. motorized). In motorized mode, the system automatically coordinates movements, while in manual mode it provides direct mechanical feedback, adapting the control characteristics to the surgeon's needs.
3Device complexity
If the effector end is rotationally fixed to the shaft, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to perform complex maneuvers with the effector end is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the effector end from the shaft, allowing the effector end to rotate independently relative to the shaft axis. This segmentation enables complex maneuvers at the effector end without requiring complex articulation mechanisms throughout the entire shaft, maintaining relative structural simplicity while improving maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface allows the effector end to be pre-rotated to a rotationally neutral position before engagement with the shaft. This preliminary positioning action enables subsequent controlled rotation and manipulation of the effector end relative to the shaft, facilitating complex maneuvers while keeping the base structure simple.
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 intuitive and precise control of surgical tools with reduced effort, allowing for natural hand movements to scale rotation and deflection, improving maneuverability and reducing the need for extensive training.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit for translating a rotation angle of the housing into a different rotation angle of an articulated region of a steerable device shaft attached to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for a medical device having an articulating shaft is provided. The control unit includes an interface immovably attached to a housing connectable to the medical device and a sensing unit for translating a rotation angle of the housing into a different rotation angle of an articulated region of the shaft.