CASE STUDY
Robotic Systems
Medical Condition/Clinical Need
Develop a bed mounted retractable arm to manage the range of motion and steadying operation of the heavily weighted robotic catheter delivery module.
The Challenge
The catheter delivery module required design updates to add the ability to be bed rail mounted. The device also needed improved operability positioning and safety of the arm as added features increased the weight of the module considerably. The arm system needed design updates to add length and the capability of positioning the 23-pound robotic module within a 0.5 MM positioning tolerance that needs to be fixed during the catheterization.
The Design/Manufacturing Solution
The Arterex engineering team worked closely with the client’s human factors engineers to fully map out the task list and develop the requirements for the bed mounted robotic arm system. The Arterex team brainstormed concepts, down-selected the two best options, and designed and built them. Ingenious gearing, braking, and remote locking mechanisms were implemented in the arm segments. The Proof-of-Concept systems were evaluated, and the designs were further refined. The bed mounting module was developed, and the client and Arterex teams were awarded a patent on the design. Arterex froze the design and built 7 systems that were validated to meet all performance and human factor endpoints. The Arterex team also supported the development of the manufacturing process and its transfer into the client’s manufacturing facility.
Results
The Robot Arm/Bed Mounting system was designed, developed, validated, and verified at Arterex. The client’s Robotic system was issued CE and FDA approvals. The system performed as intended, and the robot, equipped with an Arterex-designed arm, was acquired in a deal exceeding $1 billion.