ME 481/482: BIOMEDICAL TEAM
One Injection | 2017-2018
POTENTIAL DESIGNS
High Performance
Active needle designs have specifications that require great attention. As part of our commitment to improve upon previous designs, our team is open, flexible and takes all considerations into account to maximize functionality.
MULTI-LINK
Comprised of several repeated needle body segments that make up the flexible joint, this design operates by running SMA wires through the needle body segments and flexible connectors. The multiple links prevent buckling and kinking of the wires by running them through small holes in the needle body wall, and also any twisting of the wires by keeping them in their own channels.
VARYING BEVEL TIP
Made up of three separate beveled faces that comprise the tip of the needle, this needle has three separate SMA wires control the length of each of the needle parts. As one actuator elongates, the bevel tip connected to that respective actuator will protrude in front of the others. The tip will then deflect in the chosen direction.
"DONUT" JOINT
Using bent SMA wires to form the joint, the actuators in this design are trained to bend when current is applied. Three wires will be attached to the needle to provide three directional actuation and will be insulated with a flexible material.
We have just finished our design phase of our project and heading into our manufacturing and prototyping phase. To find out exactly what the team has been up to, click the "CDR Report" button below.
FINAL DESIGNS
4:1 Scale
SCALED NEEDLE
The Scaled needle is modeled after the Multi-link design. The body, tip, and links are 3D printed out of Somos PerForm resin, while the joints are printed from a Digital translucent photopolymer.
1:1 Scale
SLEEVE DESIGN
The sleeve design was created at a 1:1 size with base and link having a 1.5 mm outer diameter and a joint outer diameter of 3 mm. The 1:1 size is modeled to match the current sizes of brachytherapy needles of 18 gauge.