Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
FIGURE 9.21
Actual interdigitated electrode arrangement on a slithering IPMNC strip to
create a serpentine-like contractile and slithering artificial muscle.
340
330
320
310
300
290
280
Fitted, hyperbolic decay-3 parameters
Raw data
270
260
250
240
230
220
0
2
4 6
m
v
(GPH-H
2
O)
8
10
12
FIGURE 9.22
Metering valve data obtained by a strip of IPMNC undulating in a pipe flow.
IPMNC diaphragm pumps can also be made in various ways. Single or multiple
IPMNCs can function as the diaphragms that create positive volume displacement.
In figure 9.23, we present a miniaturized double diaphragm pump constructed of an
IPMNC. Such a pump produces no noise and has a controllable flow rate in the
range of a few microliters per minute.
9.2.8.1
Diaphragm Pump Designs
Each of these pump systems includes a pumping chamber with an anterior end
attached to an implantable influent conduit. In the case of an ocular pressure control
device, the influent conduit is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. A flexing
ionic polymer conductor nanocomposite (IPCNC) synthetic muscle, which is a type
of IPMNC synthetic muscle, functions as the primary actuator. The posterior end of
the pumping chamber is connected to an effluent or drainage conduit, which may
