Shape Memory Alloy Microactuation of tf-LIFEs: Preliminary Results

Silvia Bossi, Arianna Menciassi, Klaus Peter Koch, Klaus‐Peter Hoffmann, Ken Yoshida, Paolo Dario, Silvestro Micera

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · 2007 · 29 citations · 10 references

Concepts

Abstract

In this paper, a new approach aimed at improving the performance of intraneural longitudinal interfaces (tf-LIFEs) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is presented. Our goal is to develop a movable interface by embedding microactuators into the flexible tf-LIFEs structure. In this way, the optimal position of the electrical contacts can be searched inside the PNS and lost connections with neural cells could be replaced. For this purpose a thin film of shape memory alloy (tf-SMA) was selected. A multisegmented SMA was realized and embedded between two polyimide thin films in order to simulate the tf-LIFE structure. Thermal evaluation, fabrication procedure, the first characterization and preliminary experimental results of the new movable interface are described in the manuscript. A total controllable stroke of about 10 microm was obtained for the presented prototype.

References

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