Multi-Selective Micromanipulator Single Actuator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micromanipulators require multiple actuators to control the motion of multiple electrodes, leading to a bulky and inefficient apparatus due to the limited space for implantation, making it difficult to precisely control the location of multiple electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-selective micromanipulator with a main mover and submovers aligned radially around a shaft, utilizing a piezo motor actuator and a lever system with inclined and straight grooves to selectively move submovers linearly and rotationally, allowing precise control of electrode placement with a single actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micromanipulator modules are used to control multiple electrodes, then the control capability is improved, but the apparatus size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple micromanipulator modules into a single integrated apparatus with one actuator that controls a main mover, which in turn controls multiple submovers (electrodes) through radial alignment and lever mechanisms, reducing the total number of actuators and overall apparatus weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling the main mover to selectively position and control multiple submovers (electrodes) through the lever system, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micromanipulator modules are used to control multiple electrodes, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidnumber of modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent micromanipulator modules into a single integrated system where one actuator controls a main mover that selectively actuates multiple submovers through a lever mechanism, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is segmented into functional components (actuator, main mover, lever, submovers) that work together in a coordinated manner, allowing complex control capabilities to be achieved through modular functional segments rather than multiple complete modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micromanipulator modules are used to control multiple electrodes, then the control capability is improved, but the implantation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidimplantation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple electrode control functions into a single compact apparatus that can be implanted in limited space, with the main mover and submovers arranged to minimize the required implantation area while maintaining the ability to control multiple electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Weight of stationary object

If a single actuator is used to control multiple submovers, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the measurement precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus weightVSAvoidlocation control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the main mover and provide feedback to the control system, enabling precise control of submover locations despite using a single actuator, as the system can monitor and adjust positions based on sensor data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution minimizes the number of actuators needed, resulting in a simpler, smaller, and more efficient apparatus capable of precise control of multiple electrodes, enhancing the ability to investigate nerve cell-electricity relationships without constraining the subject.

Implementation Method 1

a piezo motor actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8707809B2Multi-selective micro manipulator

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

The multi-selective micromanipulator has a main mover which moves linearly or rotationally with respect to an axis, an actuator which moves the main mover, a projection which is formed on the main mover, and a plurality of submovers which the projection selectively contacts depending on the movement of the main mover, wherein a selected submover is linearly moved by the projection in a direction parallel to the axis direction.