Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use

Concentric tube robots (CTR) have gained popularity in robotic research due to their potential for smaller instrument sizes, enhanced dexterity and reduced trauma. However, CTR control can be complex, with tip direction and curvature being kinematically coupled. To address this, a symmetric eccentri...

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Main Authors: Mayer Juliane, Dumancic Marcel, Pott Peter P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2024-09-01
Series:Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2024-1078
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author Mayer Juliane
Dumancic Marcel
Pott Peter P.
author_facet Mayer Juliane
Dumancic Marcel
Pott Peter P.
author_sort Mayer Juliane
collection DOAJ
description Concentric tube robots (CTR) have gained popularity in robotic research due to their potential for smaller instrument sizes, enhanced dexterity and reduced trauma. However, CTR control can be complex, with tip direction and curvature being kinematically coupled. To address this, a symmetric eccentric tube robot (ETR) is presented, where three identical pre-curved wires are arranged in parallel and constrained by an outer sheath. Instrument curvature is controlled by a single input angle. This study aims to demonstrate the suitability as manually actuated instrument. A model for curvature as a function of input angle is presented, and a prototype ETR with an outer diameter of 1 mm is assembled and evaluated. The results show that the ETR follows the expected shape, the curvature decreasing with the separation angle in an almost linear way that may be perceived as intuitive and predictable by the human user. However, some unsteady behavior (snapping) is observed, which may be addressed by preventing torsion of the wires through mechanical means. The simplified model neglecting the sheath stiffness provides precise enough predictions for the working space of a manual ETR. The findings suggest that manual ETRs have potential applications in superficial interventions, such as injections, arthroscopy, or ophthalmic surgery, where their curved section can be beneficial in comparison to current straight needles. Further research could explore interlocking mechanical designs to prevent torsion or modular setups for enhanced functionality.
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publishDate 2024-09-01
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series Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering
spelling doaj-art-eb90b039f26c40f09c437eec158292b72025-02-02T15:45:00ZengDe GruyterCurrent Directions in Biomedical Engineering2364-55042024-09-0110210310610.1515/cdbme-2024-1078Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual useMayer Juliane0Dumancic Marcel1Pott Peter P.2Institute of Medical Device Technology, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 9,Stuttgart, GermanyInstitute of Medical Device Technology, University of Stuttgart,Stuttgart, GermanyInstitute of Medical Device Technology, University of Stuttgart,Stuttgart, GermanyConcentric tube robots (CTR) have gained popularity in robotic research due to their potential for smaller instrument sizes, enhanced dexterity and reduced trauma. However, CTR control can be complex, with tip direction and curvature being kinematically coupled. To address this, a symmetric eccentric tube robot (ETR) is presented, where three identical pre-curved wires are arranged in parallel and constrained by an outer sheath. Instrument curvature is controlled by a single input angle. This study aims to demonstrate the suitability as manually actuated instrument. A model for curvature as a function of input angle is presented, and a prototype ETR with an outer diameter of 1 mm is assembled and evaluated. The results show that the ETR follows the expected shape, the curvature decreasing with the separation angle in an almost linear way that may be perceived as intuitive and predictable by the human user. However, some unsteady behavior (snapping) is observed, which may be addressed by preventing torsion of the wires through mechanical means. The simplified model neglecting the sheath stiffness provides precise enough predictions for the working space of a manual ETR. The findings suggest that manual ETRs have potential applications in superficial interventions, such as injections, arthroscopy, or ophthalmic surgery, where their curved section can be beneficial in comparison to current straight needles. Further research could explore interlocking mechanical designs to prevent torsion or modular setups for enhanced functionality.https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2024-1078concentric tube roboteccentric tube robotctretrmanually steeredinstrumentkinematic couplingcannula
spellingShingle Mayer Juliane
Dumancic Marcel
Pott Peter P.
Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering
concentric tube robot
eccentric tube robot
ctr
etr
manually steered
instrument
kinematic coupling
cannula
title Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
title_full Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
title_fullStr Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
title_full_unstemmed Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
title_short Symmetric single-input eccentric tube robot (ETR) for manual use
title_sort symmetric single input eccentric tube robot etr for manual use
topic concentric tube robot
eccentric tube robot
ctr
etr
manually steered
instrument
kinematic coupling
cannula
url https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2024-1078
work_keys_str_mv AT mayerjuliane symmetricsingleinputeccentrictuberobotetrformanualuse
AT dumancicmarcel symmetricsingleinputeccentrictuberobotetrformanualuse
AT pottpeterp symmetricsingleinputeccentrictuberobotetrformanualuse