2406 Development of an Endoscopic Tactile Sensor Using PVDF Film

Abstract

This paper reports on design, fabrication and testing of a prototype Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) tactile sensor for endoscopic application. This sensor measures compliance of biomedical tissue. It consists of a compliant central cylinder made of silicone rubber and a rigid cylinder made of aluminum. A relative deformation between adjacent parts of the contact object is used to measure the compliance. The theoretical analysis of the sensor is made and two sensors which have different compliant central cylinders are made, based on the theory. Experimental values given by the sensors are compared with theoretical values. An Electrical teeth brush is used as an indention and vibration device and silicone rubbers referencing elasticity of biomedical tissue are objects. First, fundamental characteristics of the sensor were examined. The object was vibrated to the fixed sensor. Next, the sensor was vibrated to the fixed object with consideration with clinical practice. The results showed that the experimental values have correspondences with the theoretical values and the sensor can measure elasticity of biomedical tissue.