1,903 research outputs found
Microdevices for extensional rheometry of low viscosity elastic liquids : a review
Extensional flows and the underlying stability/instability mechanisms are of extreme relevance to the efficient operation of inkjet printing, coating processes and drug delivery systems, as well as for the generation of micro droplets. The development of an extensional rheometer to characterize the extensional properties of low viscosity fluids has therefore stimulated great interest of researchers, particularly in the last decade. Microfluidics has proven to be an extraordinary working platform and different configurations of potential extensional microrheometers have been proposed. In this review, we present an overview of several successful designs, together with a critical assessment of their capabilities and limitations
A continuum robotic platform for endoscopic non-contact laser surgery: design, control, and preclinical evaluation
The application of laser technologies in surgical interventions has been accepted in the clinical
domain due to their atraumatic properties. In addition to manual application of fibre-guided
lasers with tissue contact, non-contact transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) of laryngeal tumours
has been prevailed in ENT surgery. However, TLM requires many years of surgical training
for tumour resection in order to preserve the function of adjacent organs and thus preserve the
patient’s quality of life. The positioning of the microscopic laser applicator outside the patient
can also impede a direct line-of-sight to the target area due to anatomical variability and limit
the working space. Further clinical challenges include positioning the laser focus on the tissue
surface, imaging, planning and performing laser ablation, and motion of the target area during
surgery. This dissertation aims to address the limitations of TLM through robotic approaches and
intraoperative assistance. Although a trend towards minimally invasive surgery is apparent, no
highly integrated platform for endoscopic delivery of focused laser radiation is available to date.
Likewise, there are no known devices that incorporate scene information from endoscopic imaging
into ablation planning and execution. For focusing of the laser beam close to the target tissue, this
work first presents miniaturised focusing optics that can be integrated into endoscopic systems.
Experimental trials characterise the optical properties and the ablation performance. A robotic
platform is realised for manipulation of the focusing optics. This is based on a variable-length
continuum manipulator. The latter enables movements of the endoscopic end effector in five
degrees of freedom with a mechatronic actuation unit. The kinematic modelling and control of the
robot are integrated into a modular framework that is evaluated experimentally. The manipulation
of focused laser radiation also requires precise adjustment of the focal position on the tissue. For
this purpose, visual, haptic and visual-haptic assistance functions are presented. These support
the operator during teleoperation to set an optimal working distance. Advantages of visual-haptic
assistance are demonstrated in a user study. The system performance and usability of the overall
robotic system are assessed in an additional user study. Analogous to a clinical scenario, the
subjects follow predefined target patterns with a laser spot. The mean positioning accuracy of the
spot is 0.5 mm. Finally, methods of image-guided robot control are introduced to automate laser
ablation. Experiments confirm a positive effect of proposed automation concepts on non-contact
laser surgery.Die Anwendung von Lasertechnologien in chirurgischen Interventionen hat sich aufgrund der atraumatischen Eigenschaften in der Klinik etabliert. Neben manueller Applikation von fasergeführten
Lasern mit Gewebekontakt hat sich die kontaktfreie transorale Lasermikrochirurgie (TLM) von
Tumoren des Larynx in der HNO-Chirurgie durchgesetzt. Die TLM erfordert zur Tumorresektion
jedoch ein langjähriges chirurgisches Training, um die Funktion der angrenzenden Organe zu
sichern und damit die Lebensqualität der Patienten zu erhalten. Die Positionierung des mikroskopis chen Laserapplikators außerhalb des Patienten kann zudem die direkte Sicht auf das Zielgebiet
durch anatomische Variabilität erschweren und den Arbeitsraum einschränken. Weitere klinische
Herausforderungen betreffen die Positionierung des Laserfokus auf der Gewebeoberfläche, die
Bildgebung, die Planung und Ausführung der Laserablation sowie intraoperative Bewegungen
des Zielgebietes. Die vorliegende Dissertation zielt darauf ab, die Limitierungen der TLM durch
robotische Ansätze und intraoperative Assistenz zu adressieren. Obwohl ein Trend zur minimal
invasiven Chirurgie besteht, sind bislang keine hochintegrierten Plattformen für die endoskopische
Applikation fokussierter Laserstrahlung verfügbar. Ebenfalls sind keine Systeme bekannt, die
Szeneninformationen aus der endoskopischen Bildgebung in die Ablationsplanung und -ausführung
einbeziehen. Für eine situsnahe Fokussierung des Laserstrahls wird in dieser Arbeit zunächst
eine miniaturisierte Fokussieroptik zur Integration in endoskopische Systeme vorgestellt. Experimentelle Versuche charakterisieren die optischen Eigenschaften und das Ablationsverhalten. Zur
Manipulation der Fokussieroptik wird eine robotische Plattform realisiert. Diese basiert auf einem
längenveränderlichen Kontinuumsmanipulator. Letzterer ermöglicht in Kombination mit einer
mechatronischen Aktuierungseinheit Bewegungen des Endoskopkopfes in fünf Freiheitsgraden.
Die kinematische Modellierung und Regelung des Systems werden in ein modulares Framework
eingebunden und evaluiert. Die Manipulation fokussierter Laserstrahlung erfordert zudem eine
präzise Anpassung der Fokuslage auf das Gewebe. Dafür werden visuelle, haptische und visuell haptische Assistenzfunktionen eingeführt. Diese unterstützen den Anwender bei Teleoperation
zur Einstellung eines optimalen Arbeitsabstandes. In einer Anwenderstudie werden Vorteile der
visuell-haptischen Assistenz nachgewiesen. Die Systemperformanz und Gebrauchstauglichkeit
des robotischen Gesamtsystems werden in einer weiteren Anwenderstudie untersucht. Analog zu
einem klinischen Einsatz verfolgen die Probanden mit einem Laserspot vorgegebene Sollpfade. Die
mittlere Positioniergenauigkeit des Spots beträgt dabei 0,5 mm. Zur Automatisierung der Ablation
werden abschließend Methoden der bildgestützten Regelung vorgestellt. Experimente bestätigen
einen positiven Effekt der Automationskonzepte für die kontaktfreie Laserchirurgie
Multiplexed broadband beam steering system utilizing high speed MEMS mirrors
We present a beam steering system based on micro-electromechanical systems
technology that features high speed steering of multiple laser beams over a
broad wavelength range. By utilizing high speed micromirrors with a broadband
metallic coating, our system has the flexibility to simultaneously incorporate
a wide range of wavelengths and multiple beams. We demonstrate reconfiguration
of two independent beams at different wavelengths (780 and 635 nm) across a
common 5x5 array with 4 us settling time. Full simulation of the optical system
provides insights on the scalability of the system. Such a system can provide a
versatile tool for applications where fast laser multiplexing is necessary.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, submitte
A Lumped-Mass Model for Large Deformation Continuum Surfaces Actuated by Continuum Robotic Arms
Currently, flexible surfaces enabled to be actuated by robotic arms are experiencing high interest and demand for robotic applications in various areas such as healthcare, automotive , aerospace, and manufacturing. However, their design and control thus far has largely been based on "trial and error" methods requiring multiple trials and/or high levels of user specialization. Robust methods to realize flexible surfaces with the ability to deform into large curvatures therefore require a reliable, validated model that takes into account many physical and mechanical properties including elasticity, material characteristics, gravity, external forces, and thickness shear effects. The derivation of such a model would then enable the further development of predictive-based control methods for flexible robotic surfaces. This paper presents a lumped-mass model for flexible surfaces undergoing large deformation due to actuation by continuum robotic arms. The resulting model includes mechanical and physical properties for both the surface and actuation elements to predict deformation in multiple curvature directions and actuation configurations. The model is validated against an experimental system where measured displacements between the experimental and modeling results showed considerable agreement with a mean error magnitude of about 1% of the length of the surface at the final deformed shapes
Direct computations of a synthetic jet actuator
This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Synthetic jet actuators have previously been defined as having potential use in both internal and external aerodynamic applications. The formation of a jet flow perpendicular to the surface of an aerofoil or in a duct of diffuser has a range of potential flow control benefits. These benefits can include both laminar to turbulent transition control, which is associated with a drag reduction in aerodynamic applications.
The formation and development of zero-net-mass-flux synthetic jets are investigated using highly accurate numerical methods associated with the methodology of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS). Jet formation is characterised by an oscillating streamwise jet centreline velocity, showing net momentum flux away from the jet orifice. This momentum flux away from the orifice takes the form of a series of vortex structures, often referred to as a vortex train.
Numerical simulations of the synthetic jet actuator consist of a modified oscillating velocity profile applied to a wall boundary. The Reynolds numbers used vary from 85 ≤ Re ≤ 300. A complete numerical study of both axisymmetric and fully three-dimensional jet flow is performed. A parametric axisymmetric simulation is carried out in order to study the formation criterion and evolution of zero-net-mass-flux synthetic jets under variations in actuator input parameters. From the results of these simulations the conditions necessary for the formation of the synthetic jet along with the input parameters that provide an optimal jet output are deduced. Jet optimisation is defined by the mass flow, vortex strength and longevity of the vortex train as it travels downstream. Further investigations are carried out on a fully three-dimensional DNS version of the optimised axisymmetric case. Comparisons between the jet evolution and flow-field structures present in both the axisymmetric and three-dimensional configurations are made.
This thesis examines the vortex structures, the jet centreline velocities along with time dependent and time averaged results in order to deduce and visualise the effects of the input parameters on the jet formation and performance. The results attained on altering the oscillation frequency of the jet actuator indicated that synthetic jets with zero mean velocity at the inflow behave significantly differently from jets with non-zero mean velocity at the inflow. A study into the evolution and formation of the train of vortex structures associated with the formation of a synthetic jet is performed. This study is accompanied with a series of time averaged results showing time dependent flow-field trends. The time history of the jet centreline velocity, showing the net momentum flux of the fluid away from the orifice of a fully developed synthetic jet, is analysed for both
axisymmetric and three-dimensional cases. Differences in the fluid dynamics between the idealised axisymmetric configuration and the three-dimensional case have been identified, where three-dimensional effects are found to be important in the region near the jet nozzle exit.
The effect of a disturbance introduced into the three-dimensional simulation in order to break its inherent symmetr around the jet centreline is examined by altering the input frequency of the disturbance. It was found that the effect of this relatively minor disturbance had a major effect on the jet flow field in the region adjacent to the orifice.
The effect of which was deemed to be caused by discontinuities in the surface of the jet orifice due to manufacturing tolerances. Although the effects of these disturbances on the jet flow-field are large, they seem to have been neglected from numerical simulations to date.
The effect of a synthetic jet on an imposed cross-streamwise velocity profile was examined. It was found that the synthetic jet flow-field resulted in a deformation of the velocity profile in the region downstream of the synthetic jet. It is suggested that this region of deformed flow could interact with coherent structures in a transitional boundary layer in order to delay flow transition to turbulence. The effect of varying the Strouhal number of a synthetic jet in a cross-flow is also analysed. It is clear from the results presented that, in the presence of a cross-flow velocity the Strouhal number effect on the synthetic jet flow field evolution, while dominant in a quiescent fluid is surpassed by the effect of the cross-flow
Dynamics for variable length multisection continuum arms
Variable length multisection continuum arms are a class of continuum robotic manipulators that generate motion by structural mechanical deformation. Unlike most continuum robots, the sections of these arms do not have (central) supporting flexible backbone, and are actuated by multiple variable length actuators. Because of the constraining nature of actuators, the continuum sections can bend and/or elongate (compress) depending on the elongation/contraction characteristics of the actuators being used. Continuum arms have a number of distinctive differences with respect to traditional rigid arms namely: smooth bending, high inherent compliance, and adaptive whole arm grasping. However, due to numerical instability and the complexity of curve parametric models, there are no spatial dynamic models for multisection continuum arms. This paper introduces novel spatial dynamics and applies these to variable length multisection continuum arms with any number of sections. An efficient recursive computational scheme for deriving the equations of motion is presented. This is applied in a general form based on structurally accurate and numerically well-posed modal kinematics that assumes circular arc deformation of continuum sections without torsion. It is shown that the proposed modal dynamics are highly scalable, producing efficient and accurate numerical results. The spatial dynamic simulation results are experimentally validated using a pneumatic muscle actuated multisection prototype continuum arm. For the first time this enables investigation of spatial dynamic effects in this class of continuum arms
Movement theory inspired robot motion strategies and design of a bipedal walker
This work explores top down embodied movement analysis with reference to movement literature like Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies (LBMS) and movement sequencing as in choreography. First, high-level movement behaviors are investigated for robot systems by modeling them as sequentially evolving state machines, motivated by choreographed human movements, where states define poses at particular instants. Here, tools from formal theory help in producing high-level movement behaviors by conditioning transitions between these states. Secondly, high-level movements are investigated by designing a bipedal robot closely mapping key movements from human walking as identified in Bartenieff's Basic Six. This design is further simplified for mathematical modeling in a plane and a controller is designed for generating a stable walking gait. This line of work is important because it gives an embodied aspect of robot movement planning which can inspire more intuitive robot control methods and robot designs
Kinematic Control and Obstacle Avoidance for Soft Inflatable Manipulator
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. In this paper, we present a kinematic control and obstacle avoidance for the soft inflatable manipulator which combines pressure and tendons as an actuating mechanism. The position control and obstacle avoidance took inspiration from the phenomena of a magnetic field in nature. The redundancy in the manipulator combined with a planar mobile base is exploited to help the actuators stay under their maximum capability. The navigation algorithm is shown to outperform the potential-field-based navigation in its ability to smoothly and reactively avoid obstacles and reach the goal in simulation scenarios
A New Approach to Dynamic Modeling of Continuum Robots
ABSTRACT In this thesis, a new approach for developing practically realizable dynamic models for continuum robots is proposed. Based on the new dynamic models developed, a novel technique for analyzing the capabilities of continuum manipulators to be employed in various real world applications has also been proposed and developed. A section of a continuum arm is modeled using lumped model elements (masses, springs and dampers). It is shown that this model, although an approximation to a continuum structure, can be used to conveniently analyze the dynamics of the arm with suitable tradeoff in accuracy of modeling. This relatively simple model is more plausible to implement in an actual real-time controller when compared to other techniques of modeling continuum arms. Principles of Lagrangian dynamics are used to derive the expressions for the generalized forces in the system. The force exerted by McKibben actuators at different pressure level - length pairs is characterized and is incorporated into this dynamic model. The constraints introduced in the analytical model conform to the physical and operational limitations of the Octarm VI continuum robot manipulator. The model is validated by comparing the results of numerical simulation with the physical measurements of a continuum arm prototype built using McKibben actuators. Based on the new lumped parameter dynamic model developed for continuum robots, a technique for deducing measures of manipulability, forces and impacts that can be sustained or imparted by the tip of a continuum robot has been developed. These measures are represented in the form of ellipsoids whose volume and orientation gives information about the various functional capabilities (end effector velocities, forces and impacts) of the arm at a particular configuration. The above mentioned ellipsoids are exemplified for different configurations of the continuum section arm and their physical significances are analyzed. The new techniques proposed and methodologies adopted in this thesis supported by experimental results represent a significant contribution to the field of continuum robots
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