Fabrication of Bending Actuator for Micro Active Catheter

초소형 작동형 내시경용 Bending 액츄에이터의 제작

This paper reports experimental results on the fabrication and analysis of millimeter-sized bending actuators for active catheter by use of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible beam. The major components of micro actuator are shape memory alloy spring, stainless steel strip and two acryl links. The micro actuator with the diameter of 2.0 mm and the length of 25 mm has been fabricated and characterized for the possible application to the micro active catheters. The measured maximum angle is $60^{\circ}$ and the response time is 5 sec.