Google Search
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Lena Zentner
Head of Group
Email: lena.zentner@tu-ilmenau.de
Tel: +49 3677 69-1779
Technische Universität Ilmenau
Fakultät für Maschinenbau
Fachgebiet Mechanik Nachgiebiger Systeme
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. L. Zentner
Max-Planck-Ring 12
Werner-Bischoff-Bau Raum 2260
98693 Ilmenau
Technische Universität Ilmenau
Fakultät für Maschinenbau
Fachgebiet Mechanik Nachgiebiger Systeme
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. L. Zentner
Postfach 10 05 65
98684 Ilmenau
The aim of the previous project (Akva-Med) was to develop compliant fluid-mechanical actuators that can be specifically deformed by external control. They are used in flexible implants or diagnostic and therapeutic instruments. As an exemplary application, electrode carriers have been chosen, which are inserted with low-contact preferably into the twisted structure of the cochlea (hearing auger). By means of a targeted, continuous adaptation of the electrode curvature, a gentle implantation with a perimodiolar end position can be achieved.
For the development of the actuators, a model-based synthesis method was developed that combines the finite element method and the analytical method. Conducted scaling examinations showed that geometrically similar hollow-cylindrical rods with embedded thread and with identical material and internal pressure achieve a geometrically similar shape. This finding enabled the theoretical and experimental investigations to be carried out on an enlarged scale.
Two types of actuators (in the initial state straight and pre-curved actuators) could be proved that the desired deformations of the actuators can be achieved. This could be used to verify the developed synthesis process. Furthermore, experimental insertion experiments on the scaled cochlear model showed that the insertion forces acting on the cochlea during the insertion can be reduced.
The aim of the project is the consequential suupplement of the instruments developed in the previous project by an integrated sensor system for the detection of deformation states and / or interaction forces with the surrounding tissues.
In order to obtain the advantageous compliance of the developed actuators, electrically conductive silicones are to be used. These are as flexible as the basic material used for the instruments or the already developed actuators. Furthermore, conductive polymers change their electrical resistance as a function of the material elongation, whereby an inherent sensor system can be realized in the silicone-based instrumentation.
Within the follow-up project, the possibilities and limitations of compliant sensor technology shall be investigated. The focus are the identification of relevant design parameters, which must be taken into account in the design process of sensory areas, as well as the development of an analytical-model-based synthesis method for inherent sensor technology. This also includes the establishment of necessary methods for shaping, structuring and contacting the sensor elements. Due to the scaling of the instrumentation, embodied as a compliant rod-shaped fluid-mechanical actuator (FMA), within the framework of modeling, differently sized instruments are considered. This is intended to exploit the limits of miniaturization. Afterwards, the fundamentals developed in the project will also form a basis for sensorized, fluidically actuated compliant endoscopes and catheters and thus for further surgical applications.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas S. Rau, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohren-Heilkunde
DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ; Project: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/241357279
DFG - reference number: ZE 714/9-2