Experimental characterization of an asymmetric valveless pump based on soft robotics technology

Abstract

Asymmetric pumping can be achieved by periodically compressing a flexible tube in its plane of symmetry using an actuator, as long as the rigid pipes connected to its ends are asymmetric. This mechanism, together with impedance pumping, composes the Liebau effect. While there have been numerous studies on impedance pumping, there is a lack of available research on asymmetric pumping. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of key parameters on the performance of this type of pump. In addition, this study implements an actuator based on soft robotics technology in asymmetric valveless pumping for the first time. The pump developed in this study can be applied in different areas involving the pumping of special fluids, including biomedical applications.