• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.344-351
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• 2017

Wireless magnet pumps are used in medical applications and are particularly useful as artificial heart ventricular assist devices (VADs). To investigate wireless operation of magnetic pumps, we fabricated three types of magnetic impellers using bonded magnets by blending magnetic powders of SmFeN, NdFeB, and Sr-ferrite. We investigated the magnetic properties of the fabricated magnetic impellers, which are driven by the application of magnetic coupling with an external driving magnet or external coil system, without a driving motor, shaft, or mechanical bearings. The use of wireless magnetic pumps is therefore not complicated by critical issues of size, heat, and vibration, which are very important issues for blood pumps. The magnetic properties of the impellers, such as their rotational speed, driving torque and hydrodynamic performance, determine their wireless driving ranges. We conducted performance evaluations of the impeller's magnetic wireless manipulation, heat, and vibration. In addition, we carried out an animal test to confirm the suitability of the wireless magnetic pumps for use as biventricular assist devices (BiVADs).

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2016

Magnetic sensors and actuators have been widely used in industry and medical fields. Integrated systems based on sensors and actuators are defined as mechatronics that is the general combination of mechanics and electronics. Recently, magnetic wireless sensors and actuators have been developed and used at a systematic level. In particular, their mechanisms depend on magnetic, such as magnetic material and physical phenomena. However, their research boundary has not been clear. Researchers talk of magnetic micro-robots, magnetic actuators and sensors. Therefore, a new and correct definition is required. In this study, we introduce the advanced and extended concept of mechatronics, which is a magneto-mechantronics for biomedical and rehabilitation. Among various applications, we focused on wireless pump and sensing system for blood vessel rehabilitation and local motion capture, respectively.