Trocar Sensor Unit Optical Depth Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trocar systems in laparoscopic surgery face challenges in accurately detecting the depth of insertion and movement of instruments with varying diameters due to backlash and friction issues, which affect the precision and reliability of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A trocar sensor unit with a base, a moving member having a low-friction pressing surface, and an optical sensor that detects the movement of the insertion section within the trocar, allowing for accurate detection of instrument movement regardless of diameter changes, using a V-shaped or arc-shaped moving member and a clutch mechanism to manage pressing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller is used to detect insertion depth by measuring rotation, then depth detection is enabled, but backlash and friction cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller-based detection system with an optical sensor system. The optical sensor detects the position of a reflective marker on the insertion section without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating backlash and friction errors that plague mechanical roller systems. This substitution of mechanical detection with optical detection directly resolves the measurement precision and reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective marker as an intermediary element between the insertion section and the optical sensor. This marker serves as a mediator that allows the sensor to detect position information optically without direct contact, thereby avoiding the mechanical contact issues of backlash and friction while maintaining accurate depth detection capability.
2Reliability
If the pressing force is increased to hold the insertion section securely, then detection stability improves, but friction increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressing and friction-based detection system with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects movement by tracking the reflective marker's position changes optically, eliminating the need for mechanical pressing forces that cause friction. This allows secure holding of the insertion section without the measurement errors caused by friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the mechanical pressing system. Instead of using the pressing mechanism to both hold and detect (which causes friction errors), the detection function is separated and performed independently by the optical sensor tracking the reflective marker, while the pressing mechanism only provides secure holding without interfering with measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trocar is designed to accommodate instruments of varying diameters, then versatility improves, but detection accuracy decreases due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engagement system with varying clearances (which cause backlash) with an optical detection system. The optical sensor tracks the reflective marker on the insertion section without mechanical contact, eliminating backlash errors entirely. This allows the trocar to accommodate instruments of varying diameters while maintaining consistent detection accuracy across all instrument sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system using optical sensing and a reflective marker that works with insertion sections of any diameter. Unlike mechanical systems that require precise clearance adjustments for different sizes, the optical system universally detects position and movement by tracking the marker's optical signal, providing consistent accuracy across all instrument diameters.
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
The solution ensures precise and backlash-free detection of instrument movement, enabling reliable surgical procedures even with instruments of different diameters, by securely holding the insertion section and using sensors to measure movement accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is disposed in at least one of the moving member and a portion of the inner surface of the through-hole opposite the pressing surface and that detects the amount of movement of a surface of the insertion section in the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar sensor unit including a base that is configured to be attached to and detached from a trocar and that has a through-hole through which an insertion section to be inserted into the trocar is inserted; a moving member that has a pressing surface forming at least a portion of an inner surface of the through-hole of the base and that is configured to be moved in a radial direction of the through-hole; and a sensor that is disposed in at least one of the moving member and a portion of the inner surface of the through-hole opposite the pressing surface and that detects the amount of movement of a surface of the insertion section in the through-hole.