Wireless researchers at UC San Diego have invented a wireless force sensor comprising a deformable passive force sensor that induces a change in an interrogation RF signal present on a conductive connection to produce a changed reflective signal and an ID circuit that responds with an ID and the changed reflective signal.
Background: Minimally invasive surgical devices and robots are example tools that can benefit from force sensing. Force sensing allows a robot to detect contact with objects, as well as grasp and manipulate delicate objects if the force sensing is sensitive enough. Despite its many benefits, teleoperated robotassisted minimally invasive surgery is limited by the inability of current instruments to sense forces applied during surgery.
Adding force sensing at the tip of a surgical robot or a minimally invasive surgical tool would provide an important tool to reduce the risk of injury. Sensing forces along any portion of the tool or robot that interacts with the patient would also provide valuable information to increase the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures.
Technology: Wireless researchers at UC San Diego have invented a wireless force sensor comprising a deformable passive force sensor that induces a change in an interrogation RF signal present on a conductive connection to produce a changed reflective signal and an ID circuit that responds with an ID and the changed reflective signal.
medical robotics: cardiothoracic; laparoscopic; urologic procedures
UC San Diego is seeking companies interested in commercializing this patent-pending technology.