Browsing by Author "Berka, Martin"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Electromechanical Shape Memory Alloy Actuators for Blood Extraction
    (2017) Berka, Martin; Mintchev, Martin; Yadid-Pecht, Orly; Maundy, Brent; Dalton, Colin
    This thesis concerns the design, prototyping and testing of a series of compact electromechanical actuators for drawing capillary blood for analysis by the e-Mosquito wearable, autonomous glucose monitoring system for diabetes. All the designs used contracting shape memory alloy wires, fixed geometry and millimetre-scale moving parts, primarily to extend a disposable lancet needle from the device and into the skin. The lancet was to enter the skin at an acute angle that increased to 90° at full extension, with the goal of increasing blood flow. Attention was paid to isolation and replaceability of external parts, improving manufacturability and increasing actuator power. Satisfactory control and extension of the lancet along the intended path were achieved, leading to the conclusion that the increased elastic response of skin makes angled needle insertion impractical and to the investigation of other techniques for blood sampling with autonomous devices.