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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 15984

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Florin Popişter

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Associate Professor, Department of Design Engineering and Robotics, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: graphs; CNC machining; CNC programming; CNC/CAM; reverse engineering; CATIA V5; CMM; digitization; additive manufacturing; CAD-CAM; parallel robots

Dr. Sergiu Dan Stan

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: computer vision; parallel robots; micro- and mini-robots; design of mechatronic systems; CAD; CAM; flexible systems manufacturing; mechanisms and dynamics of machines
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Dr. Nikola Vitković

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Associate Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nis, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Interests: geometry; CAD; analysis; mechanical engineering; manufacturing; applied artificial intelligence; programming; computer graphics; Internet Of Things; information systems; reverse engineering; rapid prototyping; biomedical engineering

Dr. Milan Banić

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Guest Editor

Associate Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nis, Niš 18000, Serbia
Interests: finite element analysis; mechanical engineering; structural analysis; finite element modeling; mechanical engineering design; computer-aided design; railway; CAE
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on mechatronics systems design, which combines knowledge from electronics, control, materials, manufacturing and modeling to simulate and implement novel products and devices within the medical engineering domain. In order to keep up with the modern trends set by Industry 4.0, with the increased added value of products and systems, advanced technologies and equipment must meet more intensive requirements, necessitating novel research on mechatronic systems in medical engineering.

Mechatronic systems within domains such as manufacturing, programming, prototyping, materials, artificial intelligence, etc., can aid in the development of novel methods, products and practices within medical engineering areas for integration in automatized chains of production or clinical robot design.

Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, as well as comprehensive reviews and survey articles.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

Mechatronics systems control;
Programming in control and mechatronics;
Image processing applied in mechatronics and medical engineering;
Artificial intelligence applied in mechatronics and medical engineering;
Modeling and simulation of products in medical engineering;
Prototyping and deployment;
CAD/CAM and FEA;
Additive manufacturing;
Optimal design of mechatronic systems;
Redundant parallel robots;
Reverse engineering in medical applications;
Modern trends in parallel robots for medical applications;
Internet of Things in medical engineering;
Biomaterials used in medical engineering;
Composite materials for medical structures;
Monitoring sport and physical activity—measurement and evaluation.

Dr. Florin Popişter
Dr. Sergiu Dan Stan
Dr. Nikola Vitković
Dr. Milan Banić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Related Special Issue

Intelligent Manufacturing and Medical-Engineering Integration in Applied Sciences (2 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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15 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining BioTRIZ and Multi-Factor Coupling for Bionic Mechatronic System Design

by Bingxin Wang and Dehong Yu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6021; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146021 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1070

Abstract

To realize the design process of bionic mechatronic systems, involving mapping from engineering to biology and inversion from biology to engineering, a novel design paradigm is introduced that integrates BioTRIZ with multi-factor coupling bionics. In the mapping stage from engineering to biology, BioTRIZ is employed to frame the concrete engineering issue as a general conflicting problem. The biological solution is refined by amalgamating the BioTRIZ solution derived from the contradiction matrix with biological instances. In the inversion stage of biology to engineering, a novel approach is proposed for constructing a bionic multi-factor coupling model, drawing inspiration from the establishment of biological multi-factor coupling model. This allows for a seamless correspondence between biological elements, such as morphology and behavior, and their respective engineering counterparts, including structure and algorithms. This correspondence ultimately achieves the engineering conceptual model that is rooted in biological principles. The practical application of this methodology is exemplified through a multi-biometric fusion bionic active vision system, underscoring its feasibility and efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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21 pages, 13870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechatronic Device Used to Evaluate the Performance of a Compliant Mechanism and Image Processing System in Determining Optometric Parameters

by Victor Constantin, Daniel Comeagă, Bogdan Grămescu, Daniel Besnea, Adrian Cartal and Edgar Moraru

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5345; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125345 - 20 Jun 2024

Viewed by 845

Abstract

The work presented in the paper describes a mechatronic test stand and technique employed to determine the accuracy of a system developed by the authors to assist optometrists in measuring parameters used in the customization of progressive lenses, as well as regular lenses. The system aims to offer information about interpupillary distance, pantoscopic angle, and vertex distance, as well as measurements useful in correctly mounting the lenses in the frames. This is conducted by attaching a marker support system to the user’s frame and determining the user’s dimensions by using image acquisition techniques performed via a custom application built for this purpose. In this paper, a test mannequin is used to determine the accuracy of the system, with measurements being compared to those obtained by using classic methods. This method is used to determine the accuracy of the measurements in a controlled environment. Following the good results obtained in this paper and pending some improvements to the application, clinical tests will be performed on a small scale in selected optometrist offices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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13 pages, 4013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Testing of an Additive Manufacturing-Obtained Compliant Mechanism for the Complex Personalisation of Lenses in Clinical Optometry

by Victor Constantin, Daniel Comeagă, Bogdan Grămescu, Daniel Besnea and Edgar Moraru

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13010; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413010 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

The precision needed in optometric measurements for the correct customization of progressive lenses usually falls short of what is required for accurate prescriptions. This usually stems from the fact that most measurements are obtained using outdated methods, employing either rulers or protractors. While there is equipment available for precise measurements, the cost of purchase and ownership is usually prohibitive. In this context, due to constant progress in high-resolution cameras along with the processing power of handheld devices, another solution has presented itself in different iterations in the past decade, as put forward by different manufacturers of optical lenses. Such a system comprises a mobile computing device with image capture and processing capabilities (tablet or smartphone), along with a marker support system to be mounted on the user’s glasses frames. Aside from cost, the ease of implementation and usage, the advantage of such a system is that the parameters, as measured, allow for better customization, since the eyewear is already in the position in which it will be used. It allows the optometrist to measure parameters such as interpupillary distance, pantoscopic angle and the curvature of the eyewear in relation to the user’s own specific shape and size. This paper proposes a model of a marker support system that is easy to use, precise, low in cost and has minimal impact on the measurements obtained by the optometrist. As such, this paper examines the steps for determining the shape needed for supports in relation to the measurements that need to be taken; a finite element analysis of the support was proposed, along with various tests and modifications that were made to the device until a specific shape and material combination was found that satisfied all of the parameters required. An experimental model of the system was produced and tested on a wide variety of glasses frames with good results, as presented in the following work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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17 pages, 3835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Gait Characteristics in People with Osteoporosis Utilizing a Non-Wheeled Smart Walker through Spatiotemporal Analysis

by Nazia Ejaz, Saad Jawaid Khan, Fahad Azim, Mehwish Faiz, Emil Teuțan, Alin Pleșa, Alexandru Ianosi-Andreeva-Dimitrova and Sergiu-Dan Stan

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 12017; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132112017 - 3 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

Fragility fractures, caused by low-energy trauma, are a significant global health concern, with 158 million people aged 50 and over at risk. Hip fractures, a common issue in elderly patients, are often linked to underlying conditions such as osteoporosis. This study proposed a cost-effective solution using a non-wheeled smart walker with load sensors to measure gait parameters, addressing the high cost of traditional gait analysis equipment, the prototype used PASCO load cells PS2200 for force measurement, eliminating the need for Arduino UNO or microcontroller-based hardware. A lightweight amplifier PS2198 amplified the signal, which was transmitted via USB to a personal computer. PASCO capstone software was used for data recording and visualization. The smart walker was tested on forty volunteers divided into two equal groups: those with osteoporosis and those without, by performing a 10 m walk test three times. ANOVA comparing spatiotemporal parameters (TSPs) of the two participant groups (α = 0.05) showed that significant differences lay in terms of time taken to complete the walk test (p < 0.01), left step length (p = 0.03), walking speed (p = 0.02), and stride length (p < 0.02). The results indicate that this smart walker is a reliable tool for assessing gait patterns in individuals with osteoporosis. The proposed system can be an alternative for time consuming and costly methods such as motion capture, and for socially stigmatizing devices such as exoskeletons. It can also be used further to identify risk factors of osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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14 pages, 6765 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

by Victor Constantin, Daniel Besnea, Bogdan Gramescu and Edgar Moraru

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13052859 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1585

Abstract

The compliant mechanism studied in this paper is used in the structure of an assembly necessary for the temporary mounting of visual markers on glasses frames. Proper correction of vision defects in patients is a field of study in healthcare that has grown in complexity, along with all aspects of technology, over the past decades. As such, along with better lenses and frames, including custom solutions, the devices used to determine the patient’s specific parameters need to be more complex and precise. However, this is only part of the problem: while many devices exist that take measurements such as interpupillary distance with great precision, these come at a very high cost and do not take into account aspects related to real-life usage of the lenses, such as the patient’s position, angle, etc. Given the considerations above, this paper approaches the design, simulation, realization and testing of a working model of a frame used to support markers used in the optometry process. The design proposed in this paper assumes that the system used can be used while the glasses are mounted on the patient’s face, without influencing in any way their position in front of the patient’s eyes. Furthermore, the system must allow assembly and disassembly with minimal effort, to allow the patient to perform some movements without changing the position of the frame, as well as the easy access to the markers mounted on the spectacle frame. The main scope of the paper is to design and choose the correct constructive solution of a compliant mechanism for this important clinical optometric application in terms of geometric parameters, material and technology used to obtain appropriate performances. The authors highlight how the parameters and manufacturing technology for the device were chosen, and a finite element analysis is used to simulate the mechanical behaviour of the mechanism and to choose the optimal variant in terms of the desired displacement between three proposed materials for the given application. After justifying the choice of the constructive solution, several physical models of optometric support markers were realised using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or polylactic acid as materials. Furthermore, an electro-pneumatic experimental test stand was developed to simulate and test the functionality of the device and to validate the proposed model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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17 pages, 7979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation, Analysis, and Experimentation of the Compliant Finger as a Part of Hand-Compliant Mechanism Development

by Dušan Stojiljković, Maša Milošević, Danijela Ristić-Durrant, Vlastimir Nikolić, Nenad T. Pavlović, Ivan Ćirić and Nikola Ivačko

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042490 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3855

Abstract

Compliant mechanisms are gaining popularity in many different fields, such as in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), medical applications and health care, opto-mechatronic technology, aerospace engineering, and semiconductor equipment. One of the areas for utilizing compliant mechanisms is building models of human hand counterparts. These models are often used as grasping and rehabilitation devices. Because of their properties, creating a human hand counterpart with compliant mechanisms is a much better choice compared with the models with traditional mechanisms; it looks more realistic, and its movements are much more natural compared with models with a traditional mechanism. A method of modeling and designing such a bio-inspired mechanism, as well as its experimental analysis with various forces applied, is presented in this paper. Two prototypes of the compliant fingers were obtained by 3D printing, and the calculation of the bending angle values was achieved by applying image processing to camera images of the compliant fingers’ prototypes. Image processing was conducted on images taken for both loaded and unloaded 3D-printed compliant finger prototype positions. Finally, these bending angle results are compared with the results obtained by Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and experimental results acquired by a digital protractor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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12 pages, 2918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study Using CAD Optimization Tools for the Workspace of a 6DOF Parallel Kinematics Machine

by Sergiu-Dan Stan, Florin Popişter, Alexandru Oarcea and Paul Ciudin

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 9258; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12189258 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

This paper deals with an up-to-date topic among robotic industrial applications that require a high degree of speed, rigidity, and orientation. Currently, when technology and software applications reach a high level of performance, in various robotic industrial applications that start from certain concepts, the implementation of efficient structures has proven to be challenging. New structures such as the parallel kinematic machine (PKM) category has proven its efficiency through its structure in terms of high inertia rigidity and high speeds during processes. This paper deals with the subject of PKM-type structures in terms of the optimal design workspace of such a structure. The calculation of the workspace is considered the premise from which it starts in terms of its implementation in a robotic production line. The entire process of calculating the workspace for a given PKM structure is carried out through modern CAD applications that have specific modules in place in this direction. CATIA V5 offers the possibility through the product engineering optimizer module, simulation and calculation of different scenarios aimed at identifying the volume of the workspace for a PKM structure. In the article, we demonstrate the relations between the robot workspace and the design parameters, a method that can also be applied for other parallel structures. The method is useful for robot designers in the optimization of parallel robots with regard to the workspace by using CAD tools. Previous research in the field refers of the usage of CAD tools only for visual representation and not for optimizing the workspace, while this study and test results show that CAD tools are suitable for analyzing and optimizing the robot workspace of the 6DOF parallel robot, due to its easiness in application and fast implementation time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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22 pages, 1553 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Exploring BiomedCLIP’s Capabilities in Medical Image Analysis: A Focus on Scoliosis Detection and Severity Assessment

by Bartosz Polis, Agnieszka Zawadzka-Fabijan, Robert Fabijan, Róża Kosińska, Emilia Nowosławska and Artur Fabijan

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010398 - 3 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1093

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Open-source artificial intelligence models (OSAIMs), such as BiomedCLIP, hold great potential for medical image analysis. While OSAIMs are increasingly utilized for general image interpretation, their adaptation for specialized medical tasks, such as evaluating scoliosis on posturographic X-ray images, is still developing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BiomedCLIP in detecting and classifying scoliosis types (single-curve and double-curve) and in assessing scoliosis severity. Methods: The study was conducted using a dataset of 262 anonymized posturographic X-ray images from pediatric patients (ages 2–17) with diagnosed scoliosis. The images were collected between January 2021 and July 2024. Two neurosurgical experts manually analyzed the Cobb angles and scoliosis stages (mild, moderate, severe). BiomedCLIP’s performance in detecting scoliosis and its type was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (Area Under the Curve). Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and ROC curve analysis, were applied to assess the model’s performance. Results: BiomedCLIP demonstrated moderate sensitivity in detecting scoliosis, with stronger performance in severe cases (AUC = 0.87). However, its predictive accuracy was lower for mild and moderate stages (AUC = 0.75 and 0.74, respectively). The model struggled with correctly identifying single-curve scoliosis (sensitivity = 0.35, AUC = 0.53), while it performed better in recognizing double-curve cases (sensitivity = 0.78, AUC = 0.53). Overall, the model’s predictions correlated moderately with observed Cobb angles (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). Conclusions: BiomedCLIP shows promise in identifying advanced scoliosis, but its performance is limited in early-stage detection and in distinguishing between scoliosis types, particularly single-curve scoliosis. Further model refinement and broader training datasets are essential to enhance its clinical applicability in scoliosis assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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