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Bionic Design of Artificial Muscle Based on Biomechanical Models of Skeletal Muscle
Published in Yuehong Yin, Biomechanical Principles on Force Generation and Control of Skeletal Muscle and their Applications in Robotic Exoskeleton, 2020
No matter what kinds of actuators or smart materials are involved in the research of AM, it should not be purely structural design of actuation materials but ought to be the simulation of the multi-functional character of skeletal muscle through overcoming self-deficiencies. Among them, the most important is the simulation of the integration of flexible structure, actuation and sensing, large power density, and biomechanical properties of skeletal muscle. Only in this way can we simulate the unique motion performance of creatures. Referring to current research status of artificial skeletal muscle, most of the studies of AM are not able to reach this goal. The main reasons are the disunity of bionic design principles and the limitation of bionic materials. Compared with other actuation materials, SMA has many properties that are similar to skeletal muscle. However, to date, there has not been any research on SMA-based bionic design of skeletal muscle based on the structural function and mechanical features of skeletal muscle. This is due to a series of key technical limitations as follows.
Biomimicry
Published in Rachel Beth Egenhoefer, Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Design, 2017
Nature has been inspiring design as long as design has existed; however, it should be noted not all biologically inspired design processes result in sustainable design. ‘Biological engineering’ is where the tools of engineering are applied to biological systems. The result is some form of biotechnology, technology made out of living tissues. The term “bionics” refers to technologies that attempt to copy or replace something biological with something technical, such as a wearable robotic arm. “Biomimetics” could also be called innovation inspired by nature; however, biomimetics does not have the explicit goal of sustainability or reconnecting people and nature. “Biomorphic designs” reflect shapes and forms found in nature, but don’t necessarily function like nature. Here the goal is usually aesthetic rather than functionality or sustainability. “Biophilia” refers to our innate love of, and desire to connect with, other living things. Biophilic designs tap into and enhance our innate love of nature. The goal is a positive user experience, rather than emulating the functionality of nature. “Bio-utilization” and “bio-assisted” refer to designs that use, or are made from, something biological, such as bamboo flooring, green roofs, or fermented foods, like beer, that require the action of microorganisms.
Emerging Challenges and Approaches
Published in Walter R. Boot, Neil Charness, Sara J. Czaja, Wendy A. Rogers, Designing for Older Adults, 2020
Walter R. Boot, Neil Charness, Sara J. Czaja, Wendy A. Rogers
A few trends are worth consideration in terms of anticipating upcoming design challenges. The model of healthcare in the United States and other countries continues to shift responsibilities for care to older adults themselves and their informal caregivers. This shifting of responsibilities will become increasingly necessary as the number of older adults in the world increases, and there is a shortfall of formal caregivers to address their healthcare needs. Technology to support the practice of healthcare at home is a growing area of interest, and poor design has implications not only for system adoption but also the health and safety of older users. Design challenges in this domain include the inherent complexity of healthcare (especially for older adults who are likely to have one or more chronic conditions), how to design systems for individuals with varying degrees of health literacy, and how to present relevant health information differently as a function of the role of the person viewing it (e.g., older adult, informal caregiver, health professional). Emerging technologies include health coaching apps, electronic medical records, electronic pill dispensers, and various telehealth devices. Radically new technologies in this domain may soon include artificial organs and novel bionic implants. An important design challenge to consider in the design of technology-based healthcare solutions relates to infrastructure: how will these systems be designed, for example, considering that many rural communities lack high-speed internet required for some telehealth solutions? Another important consideration in the domain of healthcare is privacy, including who can view health information and what information they can view, which can have important implications for technology attitudes and adoption.
Mechanism of peripheral nerve modulation and recent applications
Published in International Journal of Optomechatronics, 2021
Heejae Shin, Minseok Kang, Sanghoon Lee
As the conceptual image of this procedure (Figure 4(d)), the electronic skin acts as a sensor that receives external information.[85] Then, by using the microcontroller, the received signal is processed and then matched with the type and magnitude of the sensory information such as touch, pain, or temperature. Based on the matched sensory information, activating the proper afferent fibers from the nerve using peripheral interfaces that have high selectivity, the afferent signals are delivered to the brain then, feel senses. When the user responds, the brain transmits the motor commands through the efferent nerve. By receiving and decoding the efferent signals with peripheral interfaces, the signals are used to control the bionic limb. By simultaneously operating these two interactions (motor and sensory), advanced bionic limb performing natural movements based on the patient’s intention just like a part of the body with realistic sensation could be achieved. A recent study showed that pulse modulation-based peripheral stimulation through peripheral interfaces delivered realistic sensation to a user who wears an upper limb prosthesis.[86] Also, Valle et al. showed that sensory feedback via the sciatic nerve resulted in functional and cognitive benefit in lower limb prostheses.[87]