Design optimisation of a biologically inspired multi-part probe for soft tissue surgery

Abstract

Finite Element Analysis oftenprovides a valuable tool in the design of complex mechanisms for which little prior knowledge is available. This paper describes the work to date on simplified numerical model of a multi-part surgical probe, which is based on the unique ovipositor geometry of certain wood boring wasps and where forward motion is achieved through the reciprocal motion of probe segments held together by an interlocking mechanism. The theoretical foundations of the model are described, alongside the results of a parametric analysis, where the effect of material stiffness, friction and force direction on interlock strength was measured for a single cross-sectional geometry.