A new type of medical micropump for an endoscopic robot

Researchers have developed a new type of medical micropump for an endoscopic robot, which is driven by a linear actuator based on a direct current (DC) motor. This micropump consists of two active one-way valves and a cylindrical air drum. The overall size of the pump prototype is 12.5 mm in diameter and 56 mm in length. This paper describes the structure of the micropump and linear actuator and analyzes the inflation mechanism of the micropump. The experimental results show that the driving force of the linear actuator can reach up to 2.55 N, which fulfills the need of the micropump. The rated output flow of the micropump is 16 mL/min, which can rapidly supply the gas bag with enough air with minimal noise and vibration.