CT/MR-compatible physical human-robotized needle interactions: From modeling to percutaneous steering

In recent years a number of robotic steering systems have been proposed that are geared towards improving interventional radiology procedures such as tumor ablation and biopsy. These solutions have introduced new safety challenges in the physical human–robot interaction domain. This study presents a new 3D robotized needle steering algorithm compatible with CT and MR-imaging guidance. The steering algorithm is featured with an adaptive self-correction mechanism that works as a failure contingency tool that could be adapted online at each insertion step. The developed pHRI solution was designed to be compatible to ferro-magnetic issues and a reduced workspace inside the scanner bore. As far as we know, this is the first approach designed to steer rigid needles free of force sensors and which meets the challenges that prevail in our context. Our proposed approach helps overcome safety issues regarding the physical interaction between robotized needles and patients. Validation testing highlighted the feasibility of the new needle steering algorithm, while its accuracy revealed the potential of the approach under the proposed scope of application.     

Finite-time adaptive fuzzy control for a class of output constrained nonlinear systems with dead-zone

The article investigates the finite-time adaptive fuzzy control for a class of nonlinear systems with output constraint and input dead-zone. First, by skillfully combining the barrier Lyapunov function, backstepping design method, and finite-time control theory, a novel adaptive state-feedback tracking controller is constructed, and the output constraint of the nonlinear system is not violated. Second, the fuzzy logic system is used to approximate unknown function in the nonlinear system. Third, the finite-time command filter is introduced to avoid the problem of “complexity explosion” caused by repeated differentiations of the virtual control signal in conventional backstepping control schemes. Meanwhile, a new saturation function is added in the compensating signal for filter error to improve control accuracy. Finally, based on Lyapunov stability analysis, all the signals of the closed-loop are proved to be semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded, and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood region of the origin in a finite time. A simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness for the proposed control scheme.     

Steering feel improvement by mathematical modeling of the Electric Power Steering system

Currently, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is an essential component of the vehicle because it provides assistive steering torque to the driver. To ensure a faster steering response, the position of the EPS in some vehicles is moved closer to the tire rather than the steering wheel. The steering torque, which is provided by the EPS in the steering system, mainly affects the driver’s feel while steering. Therefore, the driver often feels uncomfortable owing to such positioning of the EPS in the steering system. In particular, the nonlinearity of the Universal Joint (UJ), which is one of parts of the steering system, can be felt at the steering wheel side.In this paper, we proposed an algorithm based on the mathematical model of the steering torque in the steering system to improve the steering feel. The mathematical model is structured using parameters that can be obtained from the information of the steering system. Moreover, the formulation of the steering torque consists of the two parts, namely the deformation part, which describes the propagation inside the steering system, and the friction part that describes the inherent friction in the UJ.Simulation and experiments were conducted to verify the proposed mathematical model with similar conditions to the real tire load during the steering motion. Furthermore, to improve the driver’s feel during steering, a torque compensation algorithm is proposed and verified through experiments.     

Adaptive constraint control for flexible manipulator systems modeled by partial differential equations with dead-zone input

In this article, based on partial differential equations (PDEs), the flexible manipulator system with both dead-zone input and state constraints is studied. The dynamic model of the flexible manipulator system is described by PDEs. The parameters of the dead-zone input are unknown, and the state constraint problem is also considered. An adaptive approach is proposed to offset the effects caused by dead-zone input. Thus, to guarantee that all states remain within their respective constraint regions, the boundary control law based on the barrier Lyapunov function is given, and an adaptive controller is designed. According to the Lyapunov analysis method, the control method is given to ensure that all signals of the closed-loop system are bounded and all states satisfy the constraint conditions. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control method in this article.     

Steerable Microinvasive Probes for Localized Drug Delivery to Deep Tissue

Enhanced understanding of neuropathologies has created a need for more advanced tools. Current neural implants result in extensive glial scarring and are not able to highly localize drug delivery due to their size. Smaller implants reduce surgical trauma and improve spatial resolution, but such a reduction requires improvements in device design to enable accurate and chronic implantation in subcortical structures. Flexible needle steering techniques offer improved control over implant placement, but often require complex closed‐loop control for accurate implantation. This study reports the development of steerable microinvasive neural implants (S‐MINIs) constructed from borosilicate capillaries (OD = 60 µm, ID = 20 µm) that do not require closed‐loop guidance or guide tubes. S‐MINIs reduce glial scarring 3.5‐fold compared to prior implants. Bevel steered needles are utilized for open‐loop targeting of deep‐brain structures. This study demonstrates a sinusoidal relationship between implant bevel angle and the trajectory radius of curvature both in vitro and ex vivo. This relationship allows for bevel‐tipped capillaries to be steered to a target with an average error of 0.23 mm ± 0.19 without closed‐loop control. Polished microcapillaries present a new microinvasive tool for chronic, predictable targeting of pathophysiological structures without the need for closed‐loop feedback and complex imaging.     

浅谈液压夹具在转向油缸铸造缸盖加工上的应用

随着液压夹具在机械加工中运用推广,该公司引用液压夹具多年来取得一定成效,文章针对转向油缸的铸造缸盖铣、钻序前后加工工装进行对比分析,重点突出应用全自动液压夹具后可提升装夹效率、加工质量以及降低劳动强度等,可以在不添置设备的情况下,满足产能提升的需求。     

任意角带式输送机转弯装置应用研究

煤炭运输线路出现变向转弯时，通过多台传统带式输送机搭接实现输送，存在设备投资大、运输系统复杂、人员需求多等问题。介绍了任意角带式输送机转弯装置的工作原理、结构组成和特点，任意角带式输送机转弯装置由转向模块、改向模块、受料模块及其他辅助装置组成，当巷道转弯角度变化后，仅需要调节转向和改向滚筒即可实现带式输送机转向。该设备结构新颖、承载力大、运转安全可靠，可实现对带式输送机防逆转、制动，克服了转向运行时胶带的滑移和受力不均等问题，实现了减人提效，同时，安装时不需要开掘机电设备硐室，减少了巷道工程量，具有广阔的推广前景。     

转向齿扇多向精密成形工艺

为了降低转向齿扇成形载荷、提高成形模具寿命,通过对转向齿扇的结构特点和工艺性分析,结合多向成形金属流动特点,提出了转向齿扇多向精密成形工艺方案。采用有限元模拟软件DEFORM-3D,对转向齿扇多向精密成形过程进行了数值模拟,对其成形过程中的金属流动规律进行了分析并预测成形载荷。结果表明,成形过程中齿扇充填均匀,角隅充填饱满,多向精密成形工艺最大成形载荷比单向闭塞挤压成形载荷降低了29%,成形时间缩短了53%,有利于提高模具的使用寿命。对多向精密成形工艺进行了成形试验,试验成形出的转向齿扇充填饱满,成形载荷与预测载荷基本一致。试验结果表明了该工艺的可行性和实用性。     

跨坐式单轨车辆辅助导向装置的输出特性

单轨车辆的走行部径向通过曲线时可以减小走行轮的磨耗和导向轮的载荷。以跨坐式单轨车辆辅助导向装置的几何关系和油气弹簧的力学特性为出发点，推导辅助导向装置产生力矩与转向架和车体之间摇头角度的解析关系。建立有辅助导向装置时车辆稳态曲线通过的力学模型，分析辅助导向装置能够使转向架在圆曲线上处于径向位置的条件，并利用多刚体动力学软件建立跨坐式单轨车辆的稳态曲线通过验证模型。通过理论分析和模型仿真计算发现，当合理油压弹簧预压力选择合适的数值时，辅助导向装置的输出力矩与二系悬挂的回转力矩相互抵消，走行部的摇头角接近零，能够使转向架在圆曲线上处于径向位置，并有效缓解走行轮与导向轮的磨耗。     

国内农用拖拉机自动转向系统研究现状

作为精准农业的重要组成部分,农用拖拉机自动转向系统的研究也越来越多。通过对相关文献进行梳理和分析,分别从自动转向系统的两个组成部分(自动转向执行机构和自动转向控制系统)阐述国内农用拖拉机自动转向系统的研究成果,为设计合理的自动转向执行机构和稳定准确的自动转向控制系统提供建议和参考。