A disposable force regulation mechanism for throat swab robot

Zhuoqi Cheng*, Thiusius Rajeeth Savarimuthu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Robots can protect healthcare workers from being infected by the COVID-19 and play a role in throat swab sampling operation. A critical requirement in this process is to maintain a constant force on the tissue for ensuring a safe and good sampling. In this study, we present the design of a disposable mechanism with two non-linear springs to achieve a 0.6 N constant force within a 20 mm displacement. The nonlinear spring is designed through optimization based on Finite Element Simulation and Genetic Algorithm. Prototype of the mechanism is made and tested. The experimental results show that the mechanism can provide 0.67±0.04 N and 0.57±0.02 N during its compression and return process. The proposed design can be extended to different scales and used in a variety of scenario where safe interacting with human is required.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication 2021 43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC)
Volume2021
PublisherIEEE
Publication dateNov 2021
Pages4792-4795
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-1179-7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021
Event43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC) 2021 - , Mexico
Duration: 1. Nov 20215. Nov 2021

Conference

Conference43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC) 2021
Country/TerritoryMexico
Period01/11/202105/11/2021
SeriesProceedings of the International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
ISSN2375-7477

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Pharynx
  • Robotics
  • SARS-CoV-2

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