Effective development of haptic devices using a model-based and simulation-driven design approach

Abstract: Virtual reality (VR)-based surgical simulators using haptic devices can increase the effectiveness of surgical training for surgeons when performing surgical procedures in hard tissues such as bones or teeth milling. The realism of virtual surgery through a surgical simulator depends largely on the precision and reliability of the haptic device, which reflects the interaction with the virtual model. The quality of perceptiveness (sensation, force/torque) depends on the design of the haptic device, which presents a complex design space due to its multi-criteria and conflicting character of functional and performance requirements. These requirements include high stiffness, large workspace, high manipulability, small inertia, low friction, high transparency, and cost constraints.This thesis proposes a design methodology to improve the realism of force/torque feedback from the VR-based surgical simulator while fulfilling end-user requirements.The main contributions of this thesis are:1. The development of a model-based and simulation-driven design methodology, where one starts from an abstract, top-level model that is extended via stepwise refinements and design space exploration into a detailed and integrated systems model that can be physically realized.2. A methodology for creating an analytical and compact model of the quasi-static stiffness of a haptic device, which considers the stiffness of actuation systems, flexible links and passive joints.3. A robust design optimization approach to find the optimal numerical values for a set of design parameters to maximize the kinematic, dynamic and kinetostatic performances of a 6-degrees of freedom (DOF) haptic device, while minimizing its sensitivity to variations in manufacturing tolerances and cost, and also satisfying the allowed variations in the performance indices.4. A cost-effective approach for force/torque feedback control using force/torque estimated through a recursive least squares estimation.5. A model-based control strategy to increase transparency and fidelity of force/torque feedback from the device by compensating for the natural dynamics of the device, friction in joints, gravity of platform, and elastic deformations.