Prototype microactuator movable in a slim pipe

This paper proposes a new microactuator that operates on the resonance energy of a system excited by electromagnetic force. Flexible materials are used as a means of transferring resonance energy. The actuator is moved by the difference in frictional force between forward and backward motion of flexible materials. The sizes of the prototype actuators were 8 mm and 4 mm in diameter. An experiment demonstrated the effects on propulsion performance of power supply and vibrational modes of the actuator. Experimental results show that the actuator can move at high speed in the vertical direction. This actuator has many possible applications for small pipe inspections, biomedical, and procedures long-distance movement. (author)