Abstract: This paper summarizes the design and testing of a biopsy needle to be used through a flexible endoscope. There is a need for a biopsy needle that can be used through the endoscopic channel ...

Abstract: A topology optimization method is developed to design a piezoelectric ceramic actuator together with a compliant mechanism coupling structure for dynamic applications. The objective is to maximize ...

Abstract: journal. I am grateful to guest editors Dr. Mary Frecker and Dr. Nancy Johnson for pursuing and managing the creation of the special issue, and I am looking forward to seeing smart product design a growing area...

Abstract: A size and shape optimization routine is developed for a 1.0mm diameter multifunctional instrument for minimally invasive surgery. The instrument is a compliant mechanism capable of both grasping ...

Abstract: The material and geometrical nonlinearities of novel dielectric elastomer actuators make them more difficult to model than linear materials used in traditional actuators. To accurately model ...

Abstract: Compliant cellular structures with an internal contact mechanism are described in this paper. Contact during deformation reduces failure-causing bending stresses through stress relief, thereby ...

Abstract: editors comprising Diann Brei, Mary Frecker, and Alex Slocum, who have committed to attending specially to papers on design innovation and devices. I asked them to write a guest editorial sharing with us all...

Abstract: A methodology for topology optimization to the design of compliant cellular mechanisms with and without internal contact is presented. A two-step procedure is pursued. First, a baseline noncontact ...

Abstract: This paper presents a 3.0 mm diameter endoscopic forceps design for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, which require significant grasping and spreading forces. Models of the proposed ...

Abstract: This paper presents a 3.0 mm diameter multifunctional endoscopic forceps design for use in minimally invasive flexible endoscopic surgical procedures. Multifunctional capabilities including grasping, ...