Design and Simulation of a Novel Magnetic Microactuator for Microrobots in Lab-On-a-Chip Applications

Authors

  • Nisal Minula Perera Kankanige University of Moratuwa
  • Gihan Charith Premachandra Hanchapola Appuhamilage
  • Shanuka Kamesh Dodampegama Centre for Advanced Mechatronic Systems, , University of Moratuwa
  • Ranjith Amarasinghe Yattowita Withanage Centre for Advanced Mechatronic Systems, University of Moratuwa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v2i3.5521

Keywords:

microactuator, magnetic, microrobotics, lab-on-a-chip

Abstract

This article presents the design of a magnetic microactuator comprising soft magnetic material blocks and flexible beams. The modular layout of the proposed microactuator promotes scalability towards different microrobotic applications using low magnetic fields.  The presented microactuator consists of three soft magnetic material (Ni-Fe 4750) blocks connected together via two Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) semi-circular beams. A detailed design approach is highlighted giving considerations toward compactness, range of motion and force characteristics of the actuator. The actuator displacement and force characteristics are approximately linear in the magnetic field strength range of 80-160 kA/m. It can achieve maximum displacements of 111.6 µm (at 160 kA/m) during extension and 10.7 µm (at 80 kA/m) during contraction under no-load condition. The maximum force output of the microactuator, computed through a contact simulation, was 404.3 nN at a magnetic field strength of 160 kA/m. The microactuator achieved stroke angles up to 18.4 in a study where the microactuator was integrated with a swimming microrobot executing rowing motion using an artificial appendage, providing insight into the capabilities of actuating untethered microrobots.

Downloads

Published

2022-05-31

How to Cite

Kankanige, N. M. P., Hanchapola Appuhamilage, G. C. P., Dodampegama, S. K., & Yattowita Withanage, R. A. (2022). Design and Simulation of a Novel Magnetic Microactuator for Microrobots in Lab-On-a-Chip Applications. Advances in Technology, 2(3), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v2i3.5521

Issue

Section

Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics Technology

Categories