Abstract Current wearable technologies strive to incorporate more medical functionalities in wearable devices for tracking health conditions and providing information for timely medical treatments. Beyond tracking of a wearer’s physical activities and basic vital signs, the advancement of wearable healthcare devices aspires to continuously monitor health parameters, such as cardiovascular indicators. To properly monitor cardiovascular health, the wearables should accurately measure blood pressure in real-time. However, current devices on the market are not validated for continuous monitoring of blood pressure at a clinical level. To develop wearable healthcare devices such applications, they must be validated by considering various parameters, such as the effects of varying skin properties. Being located between the blood vessel and the wearable device, the skin can affect the sensor readings of the device. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the effect of skin property on the radial pulse measurements. To this end, a range of artificial vein-inserted skin samples with varying properties is fabricated using Magneto-Rheological Elastomers (MRE), materials whose mechanical properties can be altered by external magnetic fields. The samples include layers to simulate the structure of skin and a silicone vein for the pulse to pass through. Note that they are not intended to represent real human skin-vein properties but created to vary a range of stiffness properties to carry out the study. Experiments are performed using a cam system capable of generating realistic human pulse waveforms to pass through the samples. During the indentation testing, the sample is compressed using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) to record experienced surface pressure, allowing the pulse patterns to be studied. Various samples are used to probe the effects of base resin hardness, iron content, and magnetic field. A pressure sensor incorporated in the cam simulator is used to benchmark the internal pulse pressure of the vein while the DMA indents the sample in order to note the pulse pressures being passed through the sample. Test results show that the properties of the skin influence the resulting pulse behaviors, particularly the ratio of the recorded pulse pressures from the sensor and the DMA.

Abstract A continuous-surface morphing airfoil is desirable for commercial aircraft in order to improve fuel efficiency, and due to the potential to morph the wing into a high-lift configuration for take-off and landing. Piezocomposite actuators have shown to be a feasible strategy for camber morphing in small unmanned fixed-wing aircraft with a Reynold’s number in the range of 50,000 to 250,000. As an extension, this paper presents a theoretical framework and results for morphing in single and multi-segment natural laminar flow airfoils with a maximum Reynold’s number of 825,000. The airfoils presented employ a continuous inextensible surface. To achieve morphing, piezocomposite actuating elements are applied on the suction and pressure surfaces of the airfoils. The geometric properties of the airfoils are determined using a genetic algorithm optimization method with a migration strategy in order to maintain population diversity. The algorithm optimizes independently the substrate thicknesses for the nominal airfoil, the leading edge, and the piezocomposite bonded surfaces. In addition, positions and voltages for each piezocomposite actuators are optimized. The genetic algorithm uses an objective function to maximize the change in coefficient of lift to morph the airfoil from its baseline (i.e. cruise) state to the high-lift state. Analysis is performed using a coupled fluid-structure interaction method assuming static aero-elastic behavior. Optimization is followed by a parametric analysis to examine lift, drag, and lift-to-drag ratio of the airfoils over their full operational range. The optimization is performed on a symmetric, asymmetric, and the aft element of a slotted multi-segment airfoil to examine the capabilities of induced-strain actuation at high dynamic pressures.

Abstract Diabetics often have neuropathy that prevents them from noticing developing foot ulcers. Pressure sensors can detect areas with abnormally high pressure, allowing earlier detection, prevention, and treatment of developing ulcers. Accurate pressure sensors are often limited to bulky or stationary systems, or have other limitations such as lack of accuracy, slow response times, and cost. This paper explains the fabrication of a prototype system using a bilayer flexible sensor for better accuracy in measuring pressure. The sensor is made of an exfoliated graphite film on a latex substrate and is layered with rubber padding to allow deformation. It is connected to an electronic system that reads changing resistance due to pressure and maps the applied pressure. This system might be a low cost, accurate, and durable alternative to current systems.

Abstract We propose a planar hydrogel-based micro-valve design which is modeled as a library element for Matlab Simulink. For this test case, a pressure pump (voltage source) in series with a micro-valve model (variable fluidic resistance) is built up. The micro-valve subsystem is separated in four main parts. Based on the applied temperature stimulus, the equilibrium length is determined according to an experimentally verified fit function. Furthermore, the equilibrium length considers a static hysteresis effect which is modeled in analogy to the saturation of magnetization in electric transformers. In a second step, the transient behavior follows a first order differential equation, but the cooperate diffusion coefficient is size dependent affecting the rise time of the system. This causes a faster swelling than deswelling of the hydrogel. In the third section, the stiffness property is implemented to calculate the maximum sealing pressure and the resulting gap between the hydrogel and the wall. The fluidic resistance of the micro-valve considers a three-dimensional geometry and is calculated based on a look-up table, extracted from a fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) model generated from a finite element structure. The proposed model allows a full description of the fluidic hydrogel-based micro-valve and is part of an upcoming microfluidic toolbox for Matlab Simulink containing passive elements and optional chemical reactions like mixing fluids and enzyme reactions for future applications.

Abstract Electronic skins, or e-skins, are electronic devices capable of sensing physical interactions such as strain, temperature, or pressure. These e-skins are of interest in a variety of fields including robotics, structural health monitoring, and medicine. E-skins should measure strains over a larger range of elongation than traditional strain sensors could. This paper explores the synthesis of a flexible biaxial strain sensor for large surface strain measurement. The sensor is made by spraying an exfoliated graphite and latex mixture onto a latex substrate to form a 4 × 4 grid of electrically conductive strips. Electrodes are connected to each sensor to collect data on deformation induced voltage difference. Two setup geometries were characterized, the behavior of a single strip in each direction in a one by one configuration as well as the behavior of a four by four setup that can measure a two-dimensional strain field. The characteristics of the sensor is studied by attaching it on a tensile testing specimen. When the sensor is subjected to strain along one or both of the two measurement axes, the voltage difference can be recorded using Arduino. The voltage drop was normalized and used to construct a strain distribution plot in MATLAB to determine the highly strained location. In addition to characterizing the behavior of the sensor, the dispersion of the exfoliated graphite in the latex is also studied using optical microscopy. The sensor is made from inexpensive materials and was able to measure large strain that cannot be achieved with commercially available strain gauges.

Abstract Dielectric elastomers (DE) are regarded as a potential alternative to conventional actuator technologies. They feature low weight, high strains and low material costs. Their scope of application ranges from sensors, energy generators, smart textiles to biomimetic robots and much more. A few concepts of loudspeakers using DE have been demonstrated by the research community. One of the disadvantages of previously concepts was the need for mechanical bias (e.g. by air pressure). This work proposes a new concept of loudspeaker, which does not need prestretch or other means of mechanical bias. Buckling dielectric elastomer transducers (BDET) use the area expansion of actuated DE to buckle up. This mechanism is used to construct a millimeter-scale loudspeaker with good frequency response in the upper frequency range. The concept is implemented using automatically fabricated multi-layer membranes. The multilayer structure allows to generate more force and has higher flexural rigidity than a single-layer setup. Samples with different amount of layers are fabricated and an analytical model is derived. Measurements of the static deflection, the frequency response and the total harmonic distortion validate the model. The small scale of the speaker allows it to be installed in large arrays and thus might offer a hardware platform for high-resolution beam forming or wave field synthesis.

Abstract Tall and slender buildings often endure disturbances resulting from winds composed of various mean and fluctuating velocities. These disturbances result in discomfort for the occupants as well as accelerated fatigue life cycles and premature fatigue failures in the building. This work presents the development of a smart morphing façade (Smorphaçade) system that dynamically alters a buildings’ external shape or texture to minimize the effect of wind-induced vibrations on the building. The Smorphacade system is represented in this work by a series of plates that vary their orientation by means of a central controller module. To validate the simulation, a simple NACA0012 airfoil is simulated in a stream of air at a Reynolds number (RE) of 2 million. The pressure and viscous force profiles are captured to plot the variation of the lift force for different angles of attack that are then validated using published experimental airfoil data. After validation, the airfoil is attached to a linear spring-damper combination and is allowed to translate vertically without rotation according to the force profile captured from the surrounding air stream. A PID controller is developed to equilibrate the vertical position of the airfoil by altering its angle of attack. The model and its utility functions are implemented as an OpenFOAM ® module (MSLSolid). Thereafter, the model is expanded to handle a planar case of a building floor carrying 4 controllable plates. The forces on the building profile are summed at the centroid of the building and the windward rigid body motion of the floor is estimated by reflecting the horizontal force component on a Finite Element (FE) model of the building. The time series information of the force acting on the building and the resulting oscillations are captured for exhaustive combinations of the plate angles. This data is used to build a lookup table that gives the best plate configuration for a given wind condition. A controller operates in real-time by searching the lookup table using readings of the wind condition. Preliminary results show a 94% reduction in the amplitudes of wind-induced vibrations.

The aerodynamic foil bearing is a special type of air bearing in which the flexible foil structure between rotor and rigid housing supports the rotor bearing system with a greater robustness against thermal distortion and production misalignments. In such bearings, the generation of an aerodynamic pressure in the lubricating film after reaching the lift-off speed prevents the solid contact between rotor and foil structure. Since many static and dynamic properties of air foil bearings strongly depend on the inner contour of the bearing, the idea of an adaptive air foil bearing (AAFB) is developed to optimize the bearing’s performance at different operating points. This paper concentrates on a semi-analytical model based on plate theory using Ritz method for simulating the static shape control of piezoelectrically actuatable supporting segments for an AAFB under different loading conditions. The elastic suspension of the supporting segments and symmetries of the bearing are considered in the modeling. After validation by means of FEM analyses and experimental tests the influence of geometry and material is examined in a parametric study. Later on, the model is used for parameter optimization in order to achieve the most effective shape morphing.

The main goal of this study is the optimization of vibration reduction on helicopter blade by using macro fiber composite (MFC) actuator under pressure loading. Due to unsteady aerodynamic conditions, vibration occurs mainly on the rotor blade during forward flight and hover. High level of vibration effects fatigue life of components, flight envelope, pleasant for passengers and crew. In this study, the vibration reduction phenomenon on helicopter blade is investigated. 3D helicopter blade model is used to perform the aeroelastic behavior of a helicopter blade. Blade design is created by Spaceclaim and finite element analysis is conducted by ANSYS 19.0. Generated model are solved via Fluent by using two-way fluid-solid coupling analysis, then the analyzed results (all aerodynamic loads) are directly transferred to the structural model. Mechanical results (displacement etc.) are also handed over to the Fluent analysis by helping fluid-structure interaction interface. Modal and harmonic analysis are performed after FSI analysis. Shark 120 unmanned helicopter blade model is used with NACA 23012 airfoil. The baseline of the blade structure consists of D spar made of unidirectional Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer +45°/−45° GFRP skin. MFC, which was developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center for the shaping of aerospace structures, is applied on both upper and lower surfaces of the blade to reduce the amplitude in the twist mode resonant frequency. D33 effect is important for elongation and to observe twist motion. To foresee the behavior of the MFC, thermo-elasticity analogy approach is applied to the model. Therefore, piezoelectric voltage actuation is applied as a temperature change on ANSYS. The thermal analogy is validated by using static behavior of cantilever beam with distributed induced strain actuators. Results for cantilever beam are compared to experimental results and ADINA code results existing in the literature. The effects of fiber orientation of MFC actuator and applied voltage on vibration reduction on helicopter blade are represented. The study shows that torsion mode determines the optimum placement of actuators. Fiber orientation of the MFC has few and limited influences on results. Additionally, the voltage applied on MFC has strong effects on the results and they must be selected according to applied model.

Computational modeling, instrumented linkages, optical technologies, MRI, and radiographic techniques have been widely used to study knee motion after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Information provided by these methods has helped designers to develop implants with better clinical performance and surgeons to obtain an improved understanding of the stability and mobility of the joint. Correspondingly, overall patient satisfaction with respect to the reduction in pain and recovery of normal functioning of the joint has been improving. However, about 20% of patients are still not fully satisfied with their surgical outcomes. The main obstacle in the current state-of-the-art is that a comprehensive post-operative understanding of knee balance is still unavailable, mostly due to a lack of in vivo data collected from the joint after surgery. This work presents an attempt to develop a self-powered instrumented knee implant for in vivo data acquisition. The knee sensory system in this study utilizes several embedded piezoelectric transducers in the tibial bearing of the knee replacement in order to provide sensing and energy harvesting capabilities. Through a series of analytical modeling, finite element simulation, and experimental testing, the performance of the suggested system is evaluated and a dimensionally optimized design of an instrumented TKR is achieved. More specifically, a comprehensive platform is established in order to combine the knowledge of embedded piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesters, musculoskeletal modeling of the knee joint, multiphysics finite element modeling, additive manufacturing techniques, image processing, and experimental knee loading simulation in order to achieve the experimentally validated and optimized instrumented knee implant design. The cumulative work presented in this article encompasses three main studies performed on the sensing performance of the proposed design: first, preliminary parametric studies of the effect of local dimensional and material parameters on the electromechanical behavior of the embedded sensory system; second, investigation of the ability to sense total force and center of pressure location; and third, evaluation of an enhanced system with the ability to sense compartmental forces and contact locations. Additionally, the energy harvesting capacity of the system is investigated to ensure the achievement of a fully self-powered sensory system. Results obtained from the experimental analysis of the system demonstrate the successful sensing and energy harvesting performance of the designs achieved in this study.

Self-fitting is the ability of a wearable, garment or body-mounted object to recover the exact shape and size of the human body. Self-fitting is highly desirable for wearable applications, ranging from medical and recreational health monitoring to wearable robotics and haptic feedback, because it enables complex devices to achieve accurate body proximity, which is often required for functionality. While garments designed with compliant fabrics can easily accomplish accurate fit for a range of body shapes and sizes, integrated actuators and sensors require fabric stiffness to prevent drift and deflection from the body surface. This paper merges smart materials and structures research with anthropometric analysis and functional apparel methodologies to present a novel, functionally gradient self-fitting garment designed to address the challenge of achieving accurate individual and population fit. This fully functional garment, constructed with contractile SMA knitted actuator fabrics, exhibits tunable %-actuation contractions between 4–50%, exerts minimal on-body pressure (≤ 1333Pa or 10 mmHg), and can be designed to actuate fully self-powered with body heat. The primary challenge in the development of the proposed garment is to design a functionally gradient system that does not exert significant pressure on part of the leg and/or remain oversized in others. Our research presents a new methodology for the design of contractile SMA knitted actuator garments, describes the manufacture of such self-fitting garments, and concludes with an experimental analysis of the garment performance evaluated through three-dimensional marker tracking.

Early research on a new concept for a morphing system based on unit structures or cells containing pressurized fluid is presented in this article. The motivation stems from the desire to achieve 3D smooth variations with multiple degrees of freedom and variations in surface area. Such a cell is composed of a hybrid between elastomeric material and stiffening material, creating an orthotropic system. When connected in a network of cells, the morphing system is highly integrated in terms of the components of the skin, substructure and actuation means. Numerical predictions of small simple prismatic cells show a force and axial strain capability of above 200 N and 14% respectively for typical elastomeric and stiffening materials at 8 bar pressure. PolyJet™ additively-manufactured models of wings show how such actuators can be integrated into aircraft structures, including when 3D geometry is highly challenging. These additively-manufactured models were operated at low pressures in the order of 0.5 bar, and a number of open questions on the design, manufacture and operation of such structures are discussed along with intended future work towards higher grade materials and working pressures.

Additive manufacturing has emerged as an alternative to traditional manufacturing technologies. In particular, industries like fluid power, aviation and robotics have the potential to benefit greatly from this technology, due to the design flexibility, weight reduction and compact size that can be achieved. In this work, the design process and advantages of using 3D printing to make soft linear actuators were studied and highlighted. This work explored the limitations of current additive manufacturing tolerances to fabricate a typical piston-cylinder assembly, and how enclosed bellow actuators could be used to overcome high leakage and friction issues experienced with a piston-cylinder type actuator. To do that, different 3D printing technologies were studied and evaluated (stereolithorgraphy and fused deposition modeling) in the pursuit of high-fidelity, cost-effective 3D printing. The initial attempt consisted of printing the soft actuators directly using flexible materials in a stereolithography-type 3D printer. However, these actuators showed low durability and poor performance. The lack of a reliable resin resulted in the replacement of this material by EcoFlex ® 00-30 silicone and the use of a 3D printed mold to cast the actuators. These molds included a 3-D printed dissolvable core inside the cast actuator in order to finish the manufacturing process in one single step. An experimental setup to evaluate the capabilities of these actuators was developed. Results are shown to assess the steady-state and the dynamic characteristics of these actuators. These tests resulted into the stroke-pressure and stroke-time responses for a specific load given different proportional valve inputs.

Researchers and engineers design modern aircraft wings to reach high levels of efficiency with the main outcome of weight saving and airplane lift-to-drag ratio increasing. Future commercial aircraft need to be mission-adaptive to improve their operational efficiency. Twistable trailing edge could be used to improve aircraft performances during climb and off-design cruise conditions in response to variations in speed, altitude, air temperature, and other flight parameters. Indeed, “continuous” span-wise twist of the wing trailing edge could provide significant reduction of the wing root bending moment through redistribution of the aerodynamic load leading to an increase of the payload/structural weight ratio. Within the framework of the Clean Sky 2 (CS2) European research project, the authors focused on the preliminary design of a full-scale composite multifunctional tab retrofitting the outboard morphing Fowler flap of a turboprop regional aircraft. The investigation domain of the novel device is equal to 5.15 meters in span-wise direction and 10% of the local wing chord. The structural and kinematic design process of the actuation system is completely addressed: two rotary electromechanical motors, placed in the root and tip flap sections, are required to activate the inner mechanisms enabling delta twist angles up to 10 degrees along the outboard region when the flap is stowed in the wing. The structural layout of the thin-walled closed-section composite tab represents a promising concept to balance the conflicting requirements between load-carrying capability and shape adaptivity in morphing lightweight structures. The main design parameters are optimized to minimize actuation torque required for twisting while providing proper flexural rigidity to withstand limit aerodynamic pressure distributions for large airplanes. Finally, the embedded system functionality of the actuation system coupled with the composite wing trailing edge is fully investigated by means of detailed finite element simulations. Results of actuation system performances, and aeroelastic deformations considering operative aerodynamic loads demonstrate the potential of the proposed structural concept to be energy efficient, and lightweight for real aircraft implementation.

Dielectric electroactive actuators (DEAs) are polymer materials capable of reallocating their shapes mechanically due to an electric stimulus [1]. They can also be used as sensors by producing an electrical change from an induced mechanical deformation [2]. However, production of these materials using traditional manufacturing methods is a challenging process. The use of additive manufacturing promises to be an improved method to overcome those challenges. In addition, selection of dielectric materials that can function as DEAs and are capable of being produced through additive manufacturing is challenging. The actuation capabilities of the DEA depend heavily on the electrical and mechanical material properties of the dielectric material used to build it, and not all dielectric materials have the capacity to function as DEAs. The likelihood of a material functioning as a DEA is difficult to predict due to the large number of variables. Therefore, this paper introduces a simple method for comparing materials, particularly 3-D printed materials for their viability to be used as DEAs. The study proposes a method to compare 3-D printable materials by using coefficients calculated from the materials’ electromechanical properties. This value is then compared to an ideal DEA material. The higher the value, the better the 3-D printable material will be in comparison to a selected optimal DEA material. The coefficient is based on a linear elastic model that describes the strain of the material in relation to the electromechanical pressure applied as a result of supplied voltage. This study tested three materials using a quantitative method along with experimental verification. The study demonstrates the relationship between the predictive coefficients and the physical actuation responses with disc-type actuators providing a simple method for predicting actuation potential of 3-D printable DEA material candidates.

A novel bridged-microfluidic for cell-based assays was developed by combining a microstructured optical fiber (MOF) with a microfluidic network with the purpose of continuously monitoring the state of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. In this configuration a solid core MOF with channels in the cladding serves as a bridge for cell transport as well as an evanescent wave-based monitoring system to detect cells labeled with fluorescent nanomaterials. The device was fabricated by positioning an MOF to bridge two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic networks. Alignment strategies and pressurization considerations to produce this system are presented. Pump systems that support fluid transport through the MOF demonstrated the tendency of flow rate fluctuations even for constant microfluidic pump rates. Spectroscopic measurements confirm the delivery and motion of cells between the two neighboring microfluidic chips. The linewidth of the spectra demonstrated oscillations that were consistent with pressure broadening caused by hydrodynamic fluctuations. Fluctuations in the microfluidic flow ranging from 0.005 to 0.016 Hz were observed. These results are consistent with theoretical principles and provide important information regarding syringe pump artifacts, i.e. fluctuations, observed during spectroscopic measurements in MOF/microfluidic systems.

In the United States, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a surgery many people go through, but frequently, patients find that they are unhappy post-surgery due to misalignment and loosening of the knee. An estimated 20% of knee replacement recipients report discomfort or undesired functionality within their first few years after surgery. Surgical techniques currently rely heavily on experience and tactile feedback to correctly align the knee replacement. If surgical teams were to have access to data regarding compartmental forces within the knee over the life of the implant, then a more precise balancing procedure could be implemented. As it stands, the only way to obtain this in vivo data is for patients to undergo post-operative fluoroscopy procedures; unfortunately, patients have no incentive to undergo this process. This study tests the capabilities of knee bearings embedded with piezoelectric transducers to estimate the magnitude and location of loading given certain inputs. The prototype is fabricated from ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. For this study, to simulate loads under both normal and irregular knee positions, a custom fixture is designed and fabricated for use in a uniaxial load frame. The problem at hand necessitates a more realistic knee testing environment that can simulate the loading types of both balanced and imbalanced knees. Thus, the fixture permits various degrees of internal and external rotation. Additionally, through use of an X-Y translational table, the setup allows for in-plane translation between the condyles of the femoral component and the bearing prototype. This study compares values of force location from the piezoelectric sensors to measurements from pressure sensitive film. The piezoelectric knee bearing is tested to lay the groundwork for in vivo testing. Future work expanding upon this research would include designing and optimizing an in vivo knee bearing replacement to facilitate force location and magnitude data collection in a system free from external power sources by utilizing the energy harvesting capabilities of piezoelectrics.

This study aims to examine the coiling and uncoiling motion of a soft pneumatic actuator reinforced with tilted helix fibers. Coiling motion can be quite useful for robotic manipulation and locomotion purposes. This research proposes and investigates a novel actuator that is inspired and derived from the unique cell wall architecture in the seed appendage of Stork’s Bill plant (Erodium Gruinum). These plant cells are reinforced by cellulose fibers distributed in a tilted helix pattern — helixes that are tilted at a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cell. As a result, the seed appendage can coil and uncoil via a combination of twisting and bending. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and testing of a soft actuator that can mimic this sophisticated motion. This actuator consists of Kevlar fiber thread wrapped around a silicon rubber body that has the shape of a tube. The tube will be capped at both ends so that it can be pressurized internally to induce motion. Once the design parameter has been chosen, the soft actuator are fabricated by 1) designing and 3D printing molds, 2) tube casting and fiber wrapping, and 3) creating the end caps for pressure sealing. Carefully executing these fabrication steps is essential because any errors could give undesired deformation. Several soft actuators prototypes are fabricated based on different design choices regarding the actuator radius, tube wall thickness, and the number of tilted helix fibers (aka. fiber coverage). Proof-of-concept tests show that these actuator prototypes can indeed exhibit a combined twisting and bending under internal pressurization: all are the necessary receipts to achieve the coiling and uncoiling motion. Result of this paper can pave the way for a new family of soft actuators capable of unprecedented and sophisticated actuation motions, which are particularly appealing for soft robot application.

Total knee replacement has been utilized to restore the functionality of diseased knee joints for more than four decades. Today, despite the relatively high level of patient satisfaction, still about 20% of patients are not fulfilled with their surgical outcomes in terms of function and reduction in pain. There is still an ongoing discussion on correlating the postoperative functionality of the joint to intraoperative alignment, which suffers from lack of in vivo data from the knee after surgery. However, it is necessary to mention that using computer assisted surgical techniques, the outcomes of knee replacement procedures have been remarkably improved. In order to obtain information about the knee function after the operation, the design of a self-powered instrumented knee implant is proposed in this study. The design is a total knee replacement ultra high molecular weight polyethylene insert equipped with four piezoelectric transducers distributed in the medial and lateral compartments of the bearing. The piezoelectric elements are employed to measure the axial force applied on the tibial insert through the femoral component of the joint as well as to track the movement in the center of pressure. In addition, generated voltage from the piezoelectrics is harvested and stored to power embedded electronics for further signal conditioning and data transmitting purposes. The performance of the instrumented implant is investigated via experimental testing on a fabricated prototype in terms of sensing and power harvesting capacity. Piezoelectric force and center of pressure measurements are compared to the actual quantities recorded from the load frame and pressure sensitive films in order to evaluate the performance of the sensing system. The output voltage of the piezoelectric transducers is rectified and stored in a capacitor to evaluate the energy harvesting ability of the system. The results show only a small level of error in sensing the force and the location of center of pressure. Additionally, a 4.9 V constant voltage is stored in a 3.3 mF capacitor after 3333 loading cycles. The sensing and energy harvesting results present the promising potential of this system to be used as an integrated self-powered instrumented knee implant.

This manuscript investigates energy harvesting from arterial blood pressure via the piezoelectric effect for the purpose of powering embedded micro-sensors in the human brain. One of the major hurdles in recording and measuring electrical data in the human nervous system is the lack of implantable and long term interfaces that record neural activity for extended periods of time. Recently, some authors have proposed micro sensors implanted deep in the brain that measure local electrical and physiological data which is then communicated to an external interrogator. This paper proposes a way of powering such interfaces. The geometry of the proposed harvester consists of a piezoelectric, circular, curved bimorph that fits into the blood vessel (specifically, the Carotid artery) and undergoes bending motion because of blood pressure variation. In addition, the harvester thickness is constrained such that it does not modify arterial wall dynamics. This transforms the problem into a known strain problem and the integral form of Gauss’s law is used to obtain an equation relating arterial wall motion to the induced voltage. The theoretical model is validated by means of a Multiphysics 3D-FEA simulation comparing the harvested power at different load resistances. The peak harvested power achieved for the Carotid artery (proximal to Brain), with PZT-5H, was 11.7 μ W. The peak power for the Aorta was 203.4 μ W. Further, the variation of harvested power with variation in harvester width and thickness, arterial contractility and the pulse rate is investigated. Moreover, potential application of the harvester as a chronic, implantable and real-time Blood pressure sensor is considered. Energy harvested via this mechanism will also have applications in long-term, implantable Brain Micro-stimulation.