SMA Actuator-based novel type of peristaltic micropump

In the medical field and in biotechnology, a new type of micropump such as peristaltic micropump that can supply micro liquid flow has urgently been demanded. It is our purpose to develop a type of peristaltic micropump that has the characteristics of flexibility, driven by a low voltage, good response, safety and working at a kind of peristaltic mode. In this paper, we propose a new prototype model of a peristaltic micropump using SMA (shape memory alloy) spring actuator as the servo actuator. This paper describes the new structure and the motion mechanism of the micropump and discusses the possibility of the micropump. This micropump consists of two diffusers (Inlet) as one-way valve, four pump chambers made of elastic tube, and extrusion poles. The overall size of this micropump prototype is 30 mm in diameter and 14 mm in length. The flow characteristic of the micropump is measured. The experimental results indicate that the micropump has the satisfactory responses, and it is able to make a microflow and very useful for the biomedical applications.