UC Case 2018-740
SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel 3D printing method that produces customizable normal force sensors at high speed and low cost.
BACKGROUND:
Tactile normal force sensors are essential in haptic feedback systems to reduce excessive grip force. Commercially available piezoresistive force sensors used to reduce this excessive grip are expensive and cannot be readily used in biomedical applications and highly customized devices. Manufacturing force sensors with 3D printing can provide a streamlined, inexpensive alternative for force sensors.
INNOVATION:
A novel 3D printing method was developed to design and produce normal force sensors. The specific designs can be customized in computer-aided drafting (CAD) software and read by the 3D printer. Conductive graphene filament and copper tapes are used to 3D print the designed force sensor. As the copper elements are brought closer together, the resistance between the probing points decreases, and the magnitude of force being applied can be determined. Tests using 3D printed sensors fitted onto ProGrasp forceps for use in robot trocar surgery have shown effective detection of normal force with good resolution. Moreover, the sensors were calculated to have a production cost of approximately 35 cents, which is significantly cheaper than industry-manufactured normal force sensors. Lastly, it is also possible to produce entirely 3D printed sensors using this method and conductive 3D printable material.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
ADVANTAGES
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT:
This invention has been tested conducting peg transfers using the Da Vinci Si Surgical System.