Wireless Magnetic Soft Robots for Deep-Tissue Mechanotherapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanotherapy robots are bulky, lack remote and wireless control, and have limited motion modes, making them unsuitable for precise and controllable mechanical stimulation of deep tissues.

Innovation Solution

Development of wireless magnetoactive soft robots using topology optimization and hybrid fabrication, enabling precise and programmable deformations under magnetic actuation, with composite elements of soft matrix material and embedded magnetic particles, allowing for various modes of loading and remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If bulky robotic devices are used to apply cyclic compressive loading to tissues, then mechanical force application capability is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical force application capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic device is divided into modular components including a robotic arm, force control system, and tissue interface elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical force generation systems with more streamlined mechanisms that maintain force application capability while reducing device bulkiness. This includes using optimized linkages and actuators that provide precise force control with simpler overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If robotic devices are designed for surface tissue stimulation only, then device simplicity is improved, but treatment versatility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidtissue depth coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic device incorporates mechanisms that enable it to operate in multiple dimensions - not only stimulating surface tissues but also reaching deep tissues through adjustable arm positioning and specialized interfaces. This dimensional expansion allows the same device to treat both superficial and deep tissue conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal capabilities to handle various tissue types and depths through programmable force patterns, adjustable positioning, and interchangeable interface elements, allowing a single device to perform multiple therapeutic functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If electrical wires and heating mechanisms are used to contract nitinol and generate forces, then actuation capability is improved, but biocompatibility and safety are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidthermal effects and electrical safety

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical and thermal actuation mechanisms with purely mechanical or magnetic actuation systems. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical wires and heating elements that could pose safety risks, while maintaining the ability to generate controlled forces through mechanical means such as shape memory alloys actuated by magnetic fields or direct mechanical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 soft robots can induce precise deformations in porcine muscle, liver, and heart tissues with excellent durability, providing a new avenue for advanced mechanotherapy.

Implementation Method 1

wireless magnetoactive soft robots... under remote magnetic actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic actuation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic particles provide one or more magnetic domains having a given orientation... configured to be displaced into an actuated state in the presence of an applied magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentUS20250332058A1Systems and Methods for Wireless Magnetic Mechanotherapy

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF ILLINOIS

AI summary

Example devices, systems, and methods are described for mechanotherapy applications. The disclosed device is made of a plurality of composite elements. Each composite element includes a soft matrix material and magnetic particles embedded in the soft matrix material. The magnetic particles provide magnetic domains having a given orientation. The plurality of composite elements is provided in an initial state. In the presence of an applied magnetic field, the plurality of composite elements are displaced from the initial state into an actuated state. Methods for fabricating such a device are provided. This method includes determining an initial state geometry and respective magnetic domain orientations, forming a mold; casting the plurality of composite elements; and adjusting, with an external magnetic saturation field, an orientation of at least one magnetic domain of at least one composite element. The system includes the device, and a controllable magnet to generate the applied magnetic field.