Friction Modulation for Endoscopes

A Proof of Concept

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

J.J. Tuijp Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

M.A.A. Atalla Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
M. Wiertlewski Human-Robot Interaction - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
A. Sakes Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Jeroen Tuijp
Piezoelectric Friction Squeeze film Ultrasonic vibration Endoscopes
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Published Date

12-01-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Endoscopic instruments are integral components of minimally invasive procedures, widely used for diagnoses and treatment of diseases. When navigating the endoscope, it should experience a minimum of friction, while an increase in friction is beneficial for performing the medical procedure. Friction can be reduced by squeeze film levitation, where air is trapped and pressurized between two surfaces by vibrating one of these surfaces. The squeeze film levitates the two surfaces away from each other, hereby reducing friction. Squeeze film levitation between a rigid curved surface and a soft surface is still poorly understood. Also, a proof of concept of a friction modulation mechanism for endoscopes is not yet available in the research literature. Therefore, this paper describes the design and experimental validation of an ultrasonic vibrating ring that can actively modulate friction by generating a squeeze film. On a steel surface, the friction is reduced considerably. However, on the two soft surfaces described in this paper, the reduction of friction is absent.