Date of Graduation

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Jensen, Morten

Abstract

In order to inform the future of mitral valve repair and replacement, more investigation into the mechanics of the sub-valvular structure is needed. Understanding the roles of each chord during valve closure requires a sensor capable of detecting these small forces with enough sensitivity to determine the characteristics of each of the chordal types. The focus of the cantilever force transducer is to maximize this sensitivity while also minimizing the invasiveness of the sensor on the overall function of the chord. The design utilizes flexible yet strong 3D printed resin and cantilever arms to improve the strain exerted on a full bridge of strain gauges while preventing major interactions between the transducer and the other chords. The prototype and affiliated data acquisition module is able to read signals in the denomination of microstrain at sampling rates exceeding 1000Hz, making it ideal for acquiring small signals across short timeframes.

Keywords

Mechanical; Data acquisition; strain gauge

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