Robotic device for establishing access channel

摘要

A device for establishing an access channel to a target location is presented. The device includes a plurality of cylindrical segments. A plurality of backbones each extends through a backbone channel of each segment to join the plurality of segments together. When joined together, the central bore of each of the plurality of cylindrical segments align to form an access channel. A distal segment is fixedly attached to each of the plurality of backbones such that an orientation of the distal segment can be adjusted by linear movement of one or more of the plurality of backbones through the plurality of cylindrical segments. Furthermore, when linear movement of the plurality of backbones is restricted, the shape of the access channel can be adjusted by external forces while maintaining the orientation of the distal segment.

主权项

1. A device for establishing an access channel to a target location, the device comprising:
a plurality of cylindrical segments, each segment having a first end, a second end, a central bore, and a plurality of backbone channels, the first end being convex-shaped relative to the second end; a plurality of backbones each positioned through one of the plurality of backbone channels of each cylindrical segment to join the plurality of segments together, wherein the first end of one cylindrical segment is at least partially received by the second end of a second cylindrical segment, and wherein, the central bore of each of the plurality of cylindrical segments align to form an access channel; and a distal segment, wherein each of the plurality of backbones is fixedly attached to the distal segment such that an orientation of the distal segment is adjusted by linear movement of one or more of the plurality of backbones through the plurality of cylindrical segments and when linear movement of the plurality of backbones is restricted the shape of the channel can be adjusted by external forces while maintaining the orientation of the distal segment.