Abstract
The purpose of this research is to develop a novel infusion pump using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. Conventional infusion pumps are used motors as a driving source. The pump is also commonly used as a blood pump. However, the motor causes noises and vibrations. In a medical field, these phenomena maybe give patients a discomfort feeling. Therefore, we focus attention on SMA actuators as the driving source instead of motors. SMA actuators have many advantages such as low mass, flexibility, small size and silent drive. In this paper, we report the driving principle, the structure and fluid transportation method of this pump. We also present as basic characteristic of the pumps.
