Universal Robotic Interface for Surgical Tool Interchangeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems require individually designed electronic and control components for each tool, leading to increased design and manufacturing costs, as well as complex sterilization processes and expensive tool production.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system with an integrated interface unit at the distal end of the robotic arm that can interchangeably couple various surgical tools, using identification features like QR codes or RFID systems to determine the appropriate operating method for each tool, reducing the need for specific control components in each tool and simplifying sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individually designed electronic and control components are used for each surgical tool, then each tool can be precisely controlled, but design and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is designed as a universal platform that can control multiple different surgical tools through a standardized connection mechanism. The interface unit includes a controller that can identify and adapt to different tool types, providing precise control without requiring individual electronic components in each tool. This multi-functional interface replaces what would otherwise require separate control systems for each tool, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining control precision.
2Ease of operation
If individually designed electronic components are included in each surgical tool, then control functionality is integrated, but the sterilization process becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control components are extracted from the surgical tools and relocated to the interface unit. The surgical tools themselves are reduced to simple mechanical interfaces that connect to the interface unit, eliminating the need for electronic components within the sterilizable tool portions. This extraction allows tools to be sterilized using standard processes without concern for protecting sensitive electronics, while the interface unit handles all control functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools with specific control components are produced, then each tool can perform its specific function, but tool production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct parts: standardized surgical tool interfaces that can be manufactured economically with simple mechanical connection elements, and a sophisticated interface unit that provides the intelligence and control capabilities. This segmentation allows the tools to be produced through simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes while the interface unit, produced once, provides the necessary adaptability to support multiple different tool types.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, techniques, and embodiments are provided herein that are configured to interchangeably couple any surgical tool of a plurality of surgical tools to a robotic arm. For example, a robotic surgical system is provided that includes an interface unit disposed at a distal end of the robotic arm and coupled to the robotic arm, where the interface unit includes a set of components configured to provide the coupling. In some embodiments, the set of components of the interface unit is configured to provide electrical coupling, communication coupling, mechanical coupling, pneumatic coupling, irrigation coupling, or a combination thereof, for coupling any surgical tool of the plurality of surgical tools to the robotic arm. Additionally, each surgical tool of the plurality of surgical tools may comprise an identification feature for the interface unit and/or a processor to identify which surgical tool is being coupled to the robotic arm.