Robotic Therapy Control Using Fused Sensing for Soft Tissue Deformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic systems are not equipped to handle soft body tissues effectively due to their non-uniform consistency and unique characteristics, which existing device testing and medical procedures systems are not configured to manage in an automated and dynamic manner.

Innovation Solution

A robotic control system utilizing a fused sensing stream and Finite Element Analysis model to predict tissue deformation, adjust parameters, and maintain precise alignment and force to treat soft tissues, allowing for automated and dynamic handling of soft body tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-time controlled robotic systems are used for medical procedures, then precise control and monitoring of robotic actions is improved, but the ability to handle soft body objects with non-uniform consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidhandling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system transitions from static, pre-programmed control to dynamic, real-time adaptation through continuous sensing and control loop adjustments. The system dynamically modifies its control parameters based on real-time tissue response feedback, enabling it to handle non-uniform soft body objects effectively while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop control architecture with continuous feedback from multiple sensors (force, torque, position) that monitor tissue interaction in real-time. This feedback enables the robotic system to detect tissue inconsistencies and automatically adjust its control parameters, resolving the contradiction between control precision and adaptability to varying tissue properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If automated robotic systems are implemented for device testing, then productivity and consistency are improved, but the ability to manage unique characteristics of each soft body sample deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidsample-specific handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs self-adjustment through autonomous decision-making based on real-time sensor data. When encountering unique characteristics of a soft body sample, the system automatically modifies its testing protocol and control parameters without human intervention, maintaining both high productivity and sample-specific adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system dynamically adapts its操作流程 based on real-time characterization of each sample's unique properties. The system transitions from rigid, standardized testing to flexible, sample-specific protocols while maintaining automated operation, thus preserving productivity gains while achieving sample-specific handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If robotic end effectors apply force to soft tissue, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but tissue deformation and mechanical property changes worsen control predictability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment forceVSAvoidcontrol reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs predictive modeling and simulation to anticipate tissue deformation and mechanical property changes before applying treatment force. By pre-calculating the effects of intended forces and preparing compensatory control adjustments, the system maintains control reliability even as tissue properties change during treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system uses real-time feedback from force sensors and position sensors to continuously monitor actual tissue response during treatment. This feedback enables dynamic compensation for unexpected deformations and mechanical property changes, maintaining control reliability while applying effective treatment forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240341874A1Method and system for autonomous therapy
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 AESCAPE RECOVERY INC
  • US20240341874A1 patent drawing
  • US20240341874A1 patent drawing
  • US20240341874A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a robotic system effecting autonomous therapy or treatment of a body having soft and/or hard tissue. A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a robotic control system having a fused sensing stream for predicting the deformation of a robotic end effector and the tissue that the end effector is in contact with using, e.g., a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model. The model updates provide adjustment parameters for the control system to compensate for changes in the mechanical nature of the robotic end effector and the characteristics and/or movement of the tissue being treated by the robotic end effector.