In this research, we propose two prototype models of micro active catheter(MAC)
that has two bending degrees of freedom. One consists of 3 active units
with SMA wires in lumina as the servo actuator. The other is active guide
wire catheter with ICPF(Ionic Conducting Polymer Film) on its front end
as the servo actuator. The bending characteristics of the MAC have been
measured by application of electricity in physiological saline solution.
We also modeled these MAC for characteristic evaluation (Bending characteristic,
Electric characteristic). Experimental results show that the models of the
active catheter are reasonable. By using simulators (whose conditions are
similar to those of a blood vessel of human brain), we also carried out
simulation experiments "in vitro" and "in vivo". The
experimental results indicate that the proposed micro catheters work properly,
and they can effectively improve the operability of traditional procedures
for intravascular neurosurgery.
A New Type of Micropump for Medical
Application
It is our purpose to develop a type of micro pump that has the characteristics
of flexibility, driven by a low voltage, good response and safety in body.
In this research, we
propose a new prototype model of a micro pump using ICPF(Ionic Conducting
Polymer Film) actuator as the servo actuator. This micro pump consists of
two one-way valves that make use of the same ICPF actuator. The overall
size of this micro pump prototype is 10mm in diameter and 20mm in length.
The experimental results indicate that proposed micro pump is able to make
a microflow and is suitable for the use in medical applications and in biotechnology.
A New Type of Micropump
Biomimetic Underwater Microrobot
It is our purpose to develop an underwater microrobot that has the characteristics
of flexibility, driven by a low voltage, good response and safety in body.
In this research, we propose a new prototype model of an underwater microrobot
utilizing ICPF (Ionic Conducting Polymer Film) actuator as the servo actuator.
The overall size of the underwater microrobot prototype shaped as a boat
is 40mm in length, 10mm in width and 2mm in thickness. There is a pair of
fins. The experimental results indicate that the swimming speed of proposed
underwater microrobot can be controlled by changing the frequency of input
voltage.
A Microrobot in Water
Micro Autonomous Robotic System
This topic includes the analysis, the development and the control of microactuators,
micromobile robotic system and micro manipulator systems. We have made the
micro autonomous robotic system.