• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.30 no.1 s.244
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• pp.84-89
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• 2006

A wireless capsule endoscope has been developed to replace the conventional endoscope. However, the commercialized capsule endoscope moves passively by peristaltic waves, which has some limitations for doctors to diagnose more thoroughly and actively. In order to solve this problem, a locomotive mechanism is proposed for wireless capsule endoscopes. Based on the tests of various actuators, a piezo actuator is selected as a micro actuator for capsule endoscope. In general, piezo actuators are known to have limited displacement with high voltage supply. In order to overcome the limitation of common piezo actuator, the impact based piezo actuator, is developed to realize long stroke up 11mm. By using the impact based piezo actuator, a prototype of an earthworm-like locomotive mechanism was developed. In addition, the proposed locomotive mechanism has engraved clamps mimicked the claw of an insect. The earthworm-like locomotive mechanism has 15 mm in diameter and 30mm under retraction stage and 41 mm under elongation stage in total length. Hollow space is allocated to comprise essential endoscope components such as a camera, a communication module, bio sensors, and a battery. For the feasibility test of proposed locomotive mechanism, a series of experiments were carried out including in-vitro tests. Based on results of the experiments, we conclude that the proposed locomotive mechanism is effective to be used for micro capsule endoscopes.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.30 no.3 s.246
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• pp.287-294
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• 2006

In recent years, capsule endoscope is highlighted for the patient's convenience and the possibility of the application in the small intestine. However, the capsule endoscope has some limitations to get the image of the digestive organ because its movement only depends on the peristaltic motion. In order to solve these problems, locomotion of capsule endoscope is necessary. In this paper, we analyze the locomotive mechanism of earthworm-like robot proposed as locomotive device of capsule endoscope and derive the condition which can Judge the possibility of its mobility using theoretical analysis. Based on a biomechanical modeling and simulation, the critical stroke, that is minimum stroke of the earthworm-like robot to perform motion inside small intestine, is obtained. Also, this derived critical stroke can be validated by the moving test of fabricated earthworm-like robot. Consequently, it is expected that this study can supply useful information to design of earthworm-like robot for mobility of capsule endoscope.