Summary
This case study details the challenges faced in the development of a hand-held robotic tool for medical knee surgery. The primary objectives included reducing the size and weight of the tool, minimizing noise interference with other equipment, and ensuring reliability. The manufacturer aimed to achieve these goals by utilizing a DCM DC-DC converter, which efficiently converted power from a 55V medically isolated bus to 24V, providing the necessary 300W in a compact footprint of 8.8 cm2 and a weight of only 24g. The converter's low noise switching topology contributed to reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhanced reliability through high power density and integration. The study emphasizes the importance of ergonomics in surgical tools and how the Vicor solution effectively addresses the challenges of weight, size, and operational noise, ultimately improving the surgical experience for both patients and surgeons.
