scholarly journals 3D-Printed Micro-Tweezers with a Compliant Mechanism Designed Using Topology Optimization

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 579
Author(s):  
Yukihito Moritoki ◽  
Taichi Furukawa ◽  
Jinyi Sun ◽  
Minoru Yokoyama ◽  
Tomoyuki Shimono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Force Control ◽  
Biological Samples ◽  
Applied Load ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Blue Laser ◽  
Actuation System ◽  
And Topology ◽  
Force Control System ◽  
3D Printed

The development of handling technology for microscopic biological samples such as cells and spheroids has been required for the advancement of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this study, we developed micro-tweezers with a compliant mechanism to manipulate organoids. The proposed method combines high-resolution microstereolithography that uses a blue laser and topology optimization for shape optimization of micro-tweezers. An actuation system was constructed using a linear motor stage with a force control system to operate the micro-tweezers. The deformation of the topology-optimized micro-tweezers was examined analytically and experimentally. The results verified that the displacement of the tweezer tip was proportional to the applied load; furthermore, the displacement was sufficient to grasp biological samples with an approximate diameter of several hundred micrometers. We experimentally demonstrated the manipulation of an organoid with a diameter of approximately 360 µm using the proposed micro-tweezers. Thus, combining microstereolithography and topology optimization to fabricate micro-tweezers can be potentially used in modifying tools capable of handling various biological samples.

scholarly journals Design and Topology Optimization of 3D-Printed Wax Patterns for Rapid Investment Casting

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 683-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayi Wang ◽  
Santosh Reddy Sama ◽  
Paul C. Lynch ◽  
Guha Manogharan
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Investment Casting ◽  
And Topology ◽  
3D Printed

Effect of Inner and Outer Wheels Driving Force Control on Small Electric Vehicle

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 8246-8254
Author(s):  
K. Shibazaki ◽  
H. Nozaki
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
Force Constant ◽  
Force Control ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Vehicle Control ◽  
Steering Angle ◽  
Force Control System ◽  
The Difference

In this study, in order to improve steering stability during turning, we devised an inner and outer wheel driving force control system that is based on the steering angle and steering angular velocity, and verified its effectiveness via running tests. In the driving force control system based on steering angle, the inner wheel driving force is weakened in proportion to the steering angle during a turn, and the difference in driving force is applied to the inner and outer wheels by strengthening the outer wheel driving force. In the driving force control (based on steering angular velocity), the value obtained by multiplying the driving force constant and the steering angular velocity,  that differentiates the driver steering input during turning output as the driving force of the inner and outer wheels. By controlling the driving force of the inner and outer wheels, it reduces the maximum steering angle by 40 deg and it became possible to improve the cornering marginal performance and improve the steering stability at the J-turn. In the pylon slalom it reduces the maximum steering angle by 45 deg and it became possible to improve the responsiveness of the vehicle. Control by steering angle is effective during steady turning, while control by steering angular velocity is effective during sharp turning. The inner and outer wheel driving force control are expected to further improve steering stability.

Topography and topology optimization of diesel engine components for light-weight design in the automotive industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Rıza Yıldız ◽  
Ulaş Aytaç Kılıçarpa ◽  
Emre Demirci ◽  
Mesut Doğan
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
And Topology ◽  
Weight Design ◽  
Engine Components

Verification, Validation and Topology Optimization for Innovative Design of Concrete Structures

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 801-808
Author(s):  
K. Wada ◽  
H. Sakurai ◽  
K. Takimoto ◽  
S. Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Concrete Structures ◽  
Innovative Design ◽  
And Topology

scholarly journals Design of a 3D-printed hand prosthesis featuring articulated bio-inspired fingers

2020 ◽  
pp. 095441192098088
Author(s):  
Juan Sebastian Cuellar ◽  
Dick Plettenburg ◽  
Amir A Zadpoor ◽  
Paul Breedveld ◽  
Gerwin Smit
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Prosthetic Hand ◽  
Hand Prosthesis ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Pinch Force ◽  
Actuation System ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Energy Dissipated ◽  
Dual Material

Various upper-limb prostheses have been designed for 3D printing but only a few of them are based on bio-inspired design principles and many anatomical details are not typically incorporated even though 3D printing offers advantages that facilitate the application of such design principles. We therefore aimed to apply a bio-inspired approach to the design and fabrication of articulated fingers for a new type of 3D printed hand prosthesis that is body-powered and complies with basic user requirements. We first studied the biological structure of human fingers and their movement control mechanisms in order to devise the transmission and actuation system. A number of working principles were established and various simplifications were made to fabricate the hand prosthesis using a fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer with dual material extrusion. We then evaluated the mechanical performance of the prosthetic device by measuring its ability to exert pinch forces and the energy dissipated during each operational cycle. We fabricated our prototypes using three polymeric materials including PLA, TPU, and Nylon. The total weight of the prosthesis was 92 g with a total material cost of 12 US dollars. The energy dissipated during each cycle was 0.380 Nm with a pinch force of ≈16 N corresponding to an input force of 100 N. The hand is actuated by a conventional pulling cable used in BP prostheses. It is connected to a shoulder strap at one end and to the coupling of the whiffle tree mechanism at the other end. The whiffle tree mechanism distributes the force to the four tendons, which bend all fingers simultaneously when pulled. The design described in this manuscript demonstrates several bio-inspired design features and is capable of performing different grasping patterns due to the adaptive grasping provided by the articulated fingers. The pinch force obtained is superior to other fully 3D printed body-powered hand prostheses, but still below that of conventional body powered hand prostheses. We present a 3D printed bio-inspired prosthetic hand that is body-powered and includes all of the following characteristics: adaptive grasping, articulated fingers, and minimized post-printing assembly. Additionally, the low cost and low weight make this prosthetic hand a worthy option mainly in locations where state-of-the-art prosthetic workshops are absent.

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