ELECTROMAGNETIC MINIATURE PUMP USING PERISTALTIC MOTION OF INTERCHANGEABLE FLEXIBLE TUBE

This paper presents an electromagnetic miniature pump using peristaltic motion of an interchangeable flexible tube. Four hinge-type electromagnetic actuators arranged serially in one line pinch a flexible tube and generate peristaltic motion on the tube. In order to reduce electric power consumption, the magnetic latch mechanism using permanent magnets is applied to the actuator drive. As the actuator pinches the outside wall of the interchangeable tube, this pump can deal with any liquids inside the tube. The prototype pump has the flow rate range of 0.1~1cm 3 /min and the maximum pressure of 13kPa by a battery drive. This paper shows the electromagnetic design of the actuator using the FEM magnetic field analysis. The optimum drive sequence of the pinching actuators and the experimental result of pump characteristics are reported. Furthermore, feasibility consideration of application to the portable intravenous drip system for medical treatments is carried out.