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Hu X, Ma Z, Gong Z, Zhao F, Guo S, Zhang D, Jiang Y. A Highly Sensitive Deep-Sea Hydrodynamic Pressure Sensor Inspired by Fish Lateral Line. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:190. [PMID: 38534875 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic pressure sensors offer an auxiliary approach for ocean exploration by unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). However, existing hydrodynamic pressure sensors often lack the ability to monitor subtle hydrodynamic stimuli in deep-sea environments. In this study, we present the development of a deep-sea hydrodynamic pressure sensor (DSHPS) capable of operating over a wide range of water depths while maintaining exceptional hydrodynamic sensing performance. The DSHPS device was systematically optimized by considering factors such as piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene/barium titanate [P(VDF-TrFE)/BTO] nanofibers, electrode configurations, sensing element dimensions, integrated circuits, and packaging strategies. The optimized DSHPS exhibited a remarkable pressure gradient response, achieving a minimum pressure difference detection capability of approximately 0.11 Pa. Additionally, the DSHPS demonstrated outstanding performance in the spatial positioning of dipole sources, which was elucidated through theoretical charge modeling and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations. Furthermore, the integration of a high Young's modulus packaging strategy inspired by fish skull morphology ensured reliable sensing capabilities of the DSHPS even at depths of 1000 m in the deep sea. The DSHPS also exhibited consistent and reproducible positioning performance for subtle hydrodynamic stimulus sources across this wide range of water depths. We envision that the development of the DSHPS not only enhances our understanding of the evolutionary aspects of deep-sea canal lateral lines but also paves the way for the advancement of artificial hydrodynamic pressure sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Hu
- School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zheng Gong
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fuqun Zhao
- School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Deyuan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yonggang Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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2
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Bleckmann H. The incomparable fascination of comparative physiology: 40 years with animals in the field and laboratory. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:211-226. [PMID: 37987801 PMCID: PMC10995018 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01681-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper is not meant to be a review article. Instead, it gives an overview of the major research projects that the author, together with his students, colleagues and collaborators, has worked on. Although the main focus of the author's work has always been the fish lateral line, this paper is mainly about all the other research projects he did or that were done in his laboratory. These include studies on fishing spiders, weakly electric fish, seals, water rats, bottom dwelling sharks, freshwater rays, venomous snakes, birds of prey, fire loving beetles and backswimmers. The reasons for this diversity of research projects? Simple. The authors's lifelong enthusiasm for animals, and nature's ingenuity in inventing new biological solutions. Indeed, this most certainly was a principal reason why Karl von Frisch and Alfred Kühn founded the Zeitschrift für vergleichende Physiologie (now Journal of Comparative Physiology A) 100 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst Bleckmann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Bonn, Germany.
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3
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Himel MH, Sikder B, Ahmed T, Choudhury SM. Biomimicry in nanotechnology: a comprehensive review. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:596-614. [PMID: 36756510 PMCID: PMC9890514 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00571a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomimicry has been utilized in many branches of science and engineering to develop devices for enhanced and better performance. The application of nanotechnology has made life easier in modern times. It has offered a way to manipulate matter and systems at the atomic level. As a result, the miniaturization of numerous devices has been possible. Of late, the integration of biomimicry with nanotechnology has shown promising results in the fields of medicine, robotics, sensors, photonics, etc. Biomimicry in nanotechnology has provided eco-friendly and green solutions to the energy problem and in textiles. This is a new research area that needs to be explored more thoroughly. This review illustrates the progress and innovations made in the field of nanotechnology with the integration of biomimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan Himel
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Bejoy Sikder
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Sajid Muhaimin Choudhury
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
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4
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Jiang Y, Wang N, Zhuo S, He Q, Ma Z, Liu M, Zhang D. Hydrodynamic pressure sensors with tunable sensitivity based on thermoresponsive hydrogels. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Jiang
- Institute of Bionic and Micro‐Nano Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Ningkang Wang
- Institute of Bionic and Micro‐Nano Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Shuyun Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Qipei He
- Institute of Bionic and Micro‐Nano Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- Institute of Bionic and Micro‐Nano Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Mingjie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Deyuan Zhang
- Institute of Bionic and Micro‐Nano Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation Beihang University Beijing China
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5
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Ma Z, Herzog H, Jiang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang D. Exquisite structure of the lateral line system in eyeless cavefish Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis contrast to eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Integr Zool 2020; 15:314-328. [PMID: 31912651 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the lateral line systems in Chinese cavefish eyeless Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis and eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus were investigated to reveal their morphological changes to survive in harsh environments. Compared with the eyed cavefish S. macrophthalmus (atypical), the lateral line system in the eyeless cavefish S. tianlinensis (typical) has certain features to adapt to the dark cave environments: the superficial lateral line system in the eyeless species possesses a higher number of superficial neuromasts and more hair cells within an individual neuromast, and the trunk lateral line canal system in S. tianlinensis exhibits larger canal pores, higher canal diameter and more pronounced constrictions. Fluid-structure interaction analysis suggested that the trunk lateral line canal system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis should be more sensitive than that in the eyed S. macrophthalmus. These morphological features of the lateral line system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis probably enhance the functioning of the lateral line system and compensate for the lack of eyes. The revelation of the form-function relationship in the cavefish lateral line system provides inspiration for the design of sensitive artificial flow sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Ma
- Institute of Bionic and Micro-Nano Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yonggang Jiang
- Institute of Bionic and Micro-Nano Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Deyuan Zhang
- Institute of Bionic and Micro-Nano Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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6
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Yang B, Zhang T, Liang Z, Lu C. Research on an Artificial Lateral Line System Based on a Bionic Hair Sensor with Resonant Readout. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10110736. [PMID: 31671895 PMCID: PMC6915608 DOI: 10.3390/mi10110736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by the lateral line system of fish, an artificial lateral line system based on bionic hair sensor with resonant readout is presented in this paper. An artificial lateral line system, which possesses great application potential in the field of gas flow visualization, includes two different sensors: a superficial neuromast and a canal neuromast flow velocity sensor, which are used to measure the constant and oscillatory air flow velocity, respectively. The sensitive mechanism of two artificial lateral line sensors is analyzed, and a finite element simulation is implemented to verify the structural design. Then the control circuit of the artificial lateral line system is designed, employing a demodulation algorithm of oscillatory signal based on the least mean square error algorithm, which is used to calculate the oscillatory air flow velocity. Finally, the experiments are implemented to assess the performance of the two artificial lateral line systems. The experimental results show that the artificial lateral line system, which can be used to measure the constant and oscillatory air flow velocity, has a minimum threshold of 0.785 mm/s in the measurement of oscillatory air flow velocity. Moreover, the artificial canal neuromast lateral line system can filter out low-frequency disturbance and has good sensitivity for high-frequency flow velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Inertial Instrument and Advanced Navigation Technology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Inertial Instrument and Advanced Navigation Technology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhuoyue Liang
- School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Inertial Instrument and Advanced Navigation Technology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Chengfu Lu
- School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Inertial Instrument and Advanced Navigation Technology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China.
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Ma Z, Jiang Y, Wu P, Xu Y, Hu X, Gong Z, Zhang D. Constriction canal assisted artificial lateral line system for enhanced hydrodynamic pressure sensing. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2019; 14:066004. [PMID: 31434068 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab3d5a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the assistance of mechanosensory lateral line system, fish can perceive minute water motions in complex underwater environments. Inspired by the constriction within canal nearby canal neuromast in fish lateral line system, we proposed a novel canal artificial lateral line (CALL) device with constriction in canal nearby the sensing element. The designed CALL device consisted of a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/polyimide cantilever as the sensing element and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluid canal. Two types of CALL devices, i.e., CALL with straight canal (S-CALL) and CALL with constriction canal (C-CALL), were developed and characterized employing a dipole source. Experimental results showed that the proposed C-CALL device achieved a pressure gradient detection limit of 0.64 Pa m-1, which was much lower than the S-CALL device. It indicates that the constriction in the canal nearby the sensing element could enhance the hydrodynamic pressure sensing performance of the CALL device. In addition, the constriction could modify the frequency response of the CALL device, and the C-CALL device achieved higher voltage output than S-CALL in high-frequency domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Ma
- Institute of Bionic and Micro-Nano Systems, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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8
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Jiang Y, Ma Z, Zhang D. Flow field perception based on the fish lateral line system. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2019; 14:041001. [PMID: 30995633 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab1a8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fish are able to perceive the surrounding weak flow and pressure variations with their mechanosensory lateral line system, which consists of a superficial lateral line for flow velocity detection and a canal lateral line for flow pressure gradient perception. Achieving a better understanding of the flow field perception algorithms of the lateral line can contribute not only to the design of highly sensitive flow sensors, but also to the development of underwater smart skin with good hydrodynamic imaging properties. In this review, we discuss highly sensitive flow-sensing mechanisms for superficial and canal neuromasts and flow field perception algorithms. Artificial lateral line systems with different transduction mechanisms are then described with special emphasis on the recent innovations in the field of polymer-based artificial flow sensors. Finally, we discuss our perspective of the technological challenges faced while improving flow sensitivity, durability, and sensing fusion schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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Le Ferrand H, Studart AR, Arrieta AF. Filtered Mechanosensing Using Snapping Composites with Embedded Mechano-Electrical Transduction. ACS NANO 2019; 13:4752-4760. [PMID: 30925044 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b01095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensing is ubiquitous in natural systems. From the skin ridges of our finger tips to the microscopic ion channels in cells, mechanosensors allow organisms to probe their environment and gather information needed for processing, decision making, and actuation. Despite technological advances in synthetic mechanosensing, it remains challenging to achieve this functionality at the scale of large stiff structures where both the amount of data to sense locally and the diversity of input stresses that the sensors have to withstand require highly tunable systems. Filtered sensing using mechanical displacement is an effective strategy developed by organisms to cope with large sets of stimuli. Inspired by this biological strategy, we fabricate bistable elements that can passively filter mechanical inputs, translate them into electrical signals, and be reset to their original sensing state using an external magnetic field. These multiple functionalities are achieved using hierarchically structured composites that can be arranged in large-area arrays. The filtering capability and fast passive response of our mechanosensors are experimentally demonstrated using simple electrical circuits and magnets. Thanks to their scalability and applicability to a wide range of material systems, these low-power sensors are avenues for the fabrication of load-bearing structures that are able to sense, compute, communicate, and autonomously adapt in response to external magneto-mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hortense Le Ferrand
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
- School of Mechanical Engineering , Purdue University , 585 Purdue Mall , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - André R Studart
- Complex Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 , 8093 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Andres F Arrieta
- School of Mechanical Engineering , Purdue University , 585 Purdue Mall , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
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10
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A Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Waveguide Sensor that Mimics a Neuromast to Measure Fluid Flow Velocity. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19040925. [PMID: 30813266 PMCID: PMC6412414 DOI: 10.3390/s19040925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Accurate flow measurement is a ubiquitous task in fields such as industry, medical technology, or chemistry; it remains however challenging due to small measurement ranges or erosive flows. Inspiration for possible measurement methods can come from nature, for example from the lateral line organ of fish, which is comprised of hair cells embedded in a gelatinous cupula. When the cupula is deflected by water movement, the hair cells generate neural signals from which the fish gains an accurate representation of its environment. We built a flow sensor mimicking a hair cell, but coupled it with an optical detection method. Light is coupled into a PDMS waveguide that consists of a core and a cladding with a low refractive index contrast to ensure high bending sensitivity. Fluid flow bends the waveguide; this leads to a measurable light loss. The design of our sensory system allows flow measurement in opaque and corrosive fluids while keeping production costs low. To prove the measurement concept, we evaluated the light loss while (a) reproducibly bending the fiber with masses, and (b) exposing the fiber to air flow. The results demonstrate the applicability of an optical fiber as a flow sensor.
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11
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Kaldenbach F, Klein A, Bleckmann H. Form-function relationship in artificial lateral lines. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2019; 14:026001. [PMID: 30608055 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aaf488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examined the form-function relationship of laboratory-constructed artificial lateral line canals. These biomimetic flow sensors consisted of a transparent silicone bar located inside a fluid filled canal equipped with canal pores. The silicone bar guided the light from a LED towards a position- sensitive photodiode. Fluid motion inside the canal deflected the silicone bar which was detected by the photodiode. We found that the resonance frequency of the silicone bar determined the resonance frequency of the artificial lateral line (frequency at which the sensor was most sensitive). The thickness and length of the silicone bar influenced both, the resonance frequency and the sensitivity (across all tested frequencies) of the artificial lateral line sensor. Sensitivity was also influenced by the length and diameter of the artificial lateral line canals. The distance between canal pores determined the spatial resolution of the sensor. The functionality of the sensor in detecting oscillatory fluid motions remained when the canal pores were covered with flexible membranes. Tension, diameter and thickness of the membranes altered the temporal filter properties of the artificial lateral line neuromast. The density and viscosity of the fluid inside the artificial lateral line canals also influenced the sensitivity and temporal filter properties of the artificial lateral line. The acquired knowledge will allow us to optimize artificial lateral line systems for specific technical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Kaldenbach
- Institut für Zoologie der Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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12
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Gul JZ, Su KY, Choi KH. Fully 3D Printed Multi-Material Soft Bio-Inspired Whisker Sensor for Underwater-Induced Vortex Detection. Soft Robot 2018; 5:122-132. [DOI: 10.1089/soro.2016.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jahan Zeb Gul
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Kim Young Su
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
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13
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Bora M, Kottapalli AGP, Miao J, Triantafyllou MS. Sensing the flow beneath the fins. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2018; 13:025002. [PMID: 29239859 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aaa1c2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Flow sensing, maneuverability, energy efficiency and vigilance of surroundings are the key factors that dictate the performance of marine animals. Be it swimming at high speeds, attack or escape maneuvers, sensing and survival hydrodynamics are a constant feature of life in the ocean. Fishes are capable of performing energy efficient maneuvers, including capturing energy from vortical structures in water. These impressive capabilities are made possible by the uncanny ability of fish to sense minute pressure and flow variations on their body. This is achieved by arrays of biological neuromast sensors on their bodies that 'feel' the surroundings through 'touch at a distance' sensing. The main focus of this paper is to review the various biomimetic material approaches in developing superficial neuromast inspired ultrasensitive MEMS sensors. Principals and methods that translate biomechanical filtering properties of canal neuromasts to benefit artificial MEMS sensors have also been discussed. MEMS sensors with ultrahigh flow sensitivity and accuracy have been developed mainly through inspiration from the hair cell and cupula structures in the neuromast. Canal-inspired packages have proven beneficial in hydrodynamic flow filtering in artificial sensors enabling signal amplification and noise attenuation. A special emphasis has been placed on the recent innovations that closely mimic the structural and material designs of stereocilia of neuromasts by exploring soft polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Bora
- Center for Environmental Sensing and Modeling (CENSAM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore. These authors contributed equally to this work
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14
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Jiang Y, Ma Z, Fu J, Zhang D. Development of a Flexible Artificial Lateral Line Canal System for Hydrodynamic Pressure Detection. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17061220. [PMID: 28587111 PMCID: PMC5491981 DOI: 10.3390/s17061220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Surface mounted ‘smart skin’ can enhance the situational and environmental awareness of marine vehicles, which requires flexible, reliable, and light-weight hydrodynamic pressure sensors. Inspired by the lateral line canal system in fish, we developed an artificial lateral line (ALL) canal system by integrating cantilevered flow-sensing elements in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) canal. Polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers were laminated together to form the cantilevered flow-sensing elements. Both the ALL canal system and its superficial counterpart were characterized using a dipole vibration source. Experimental results showed that the peak frequencies of both the canal and superficial sensors were approximately 110 Hz, which was estimated to be the resonance frequency of the cantilevered flow-sensing element. The proposed ALL canal system demonstrated high-pass filtering capabilities to attenuate low-frequency stimulus and a pressure gradient detection limit of approximately 11 Pa/m at a frequency of 115 ± 1 Hz. Because of its structural flexibility and noise immunity, the proposed ALL canal system shows significant potential for underwater robotics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
- International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jianchao Fu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Deyuan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
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15
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Abels C, Mastronardi VM, Guido F, Dattoma T, Qualtieri A, Megill WM, De Vittorio M, Rizzi F. Nitride-Based Materials for Flexible MEMS Tactile and Flow Sensors in Robotics. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17051080. [PMID: 28489040 PMCID: PMC5470470 DOI: 10.3390/s17051080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The response to different force load ranges and actuation at low energies is of considerable interest for applications of compliant and flexible devices undergoing large deformations. We present a review of technological platforms based on nitride materials (aluminum nitride and silicon nitride) for the microfabrication of a class of flexible micro-electro-mechanical systems. The approach exploits the material stress differences among the constituent layers of nitride-based (AlN/Mo, Si x N y /Si and AlN/polyimide) mechanical elements in order to create microstructures, such as upwardly-bent cantilever beams and bowed circular membranes. Piezoresistive properties of nichrome strain gauges and direct piezoelectric properties of aluminum nitride can be exploited for mechanical strain/stress detection. Applications in flow and tactile sensing for robotics are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Abels
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
- Università del Salento, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Lecce 73100, Italy.
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Kleve 47533, Germany.
| | - Vincenzo Mariano Mastronardi
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
| | - Francesco Guido
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Dattoma
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
| | - Antonio Qualtieri
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
| | - William M Megill
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Kleve 47533, Germany.
| | - Massimo De Vittorio
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
- Università del Salento, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Lecce 73100, Italy.
| | - Francesco Rizzi
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Arnesano (LE) 73010, Italy.
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16
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Abels C, Qualtieri A, De Vittorio M, Megill WM, Rizzi F. A bio-inspired real-time capable artificial lateral line system for freestream flow measurements. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 11:035006. [PMID: 27257144 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/11/3/035006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To enhance today's artificial flow sensing capabilities in aerial and underwater robotics, future robots could be equipped with a large number of miniaturized sensors distributed over the surface to provide high resolution measurement of the surrounding fluid flow. In this work we show a linear array of closely separated bio-inspired micro-electro-mechanical flow sensors whose sensing mechanism is based on a piezoresistive strain-gauge along a stress-driven cantilever beam, mimicking the biological superficial neuromasts found in the lateral line organ of fishes. Aiming to improve state-of-the-art flow sensing capability in autonomously flying and swimming robots, our artificial lateral line system was designed and developed to feature multi-parameter freestream flow measurements which provide information about (1) local flow velocities as measured by the signal amplitudes from the individual cantilevers as well as (2) propagation velocity, (3) linear forward/backward direction along the cantilever beam orientation and (4) periodicity of pulses or pulse trains determined by cross-correlating sensor signals. A real-time capable cross-correlation procedure was developed which makes it possible to extract freestream flow direction and velocity information from flow fluctuations. The computed flow velocities deviate from a commercial system by 0.09 m s(-1) at 0.5 m s(-1) and 0.15 m s(-1) at 1.0 m s(-1) flow velocity for a sampling rate of 240 Hz and a sensor distance of 38 mm. Although experiments were performed in air, the presented flow sensing system can be applied to underwater vehicles as well, once the sensors are embedded in a waterproof micro-electro-mechanical systems package.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Abels
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Arnesano (LE), I-73010, Italy. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Kleve, D-47533, Germany. Università del Salento, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Lecce (LE), I-73100, Italy
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Stepniak S, Bleckmann H, Herzog H, Klein A, Schulze E, Taetzner S, Steltenkamp S. A μ-biomimetic flow sensor for medical and pharmaceutical applications. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016; 2015:4379-82. [PMID: 26737265 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2015.7319365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Flow sensing is pivotal in many medical and pharmaceutical applications. Most commercial flow sensors are either expensive, complex, or consume a lot of energy, while low cost sensors usually lack sensitivity, robustness, or long-term stability. In addition, the maintenance and sterilization of most commercial flow sensors is difficult to perform. Here, we present a new μ-biomimetic flow sensor based on the fish lateral line. It measures flow velocity and detects the transition between laminar and turbulent flow, thereby fulfilling most requirements for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it has a modular setup featuring a screened or passive bypass configuration, enabling it not only to meter flow in medical applications but also under harsh or well-defined environmental conditions, such as found in pharmaceutical applications. The sensor is robust and can be easily cleaned. Individual parts of the sensor can even be replaced or sterilized. In sum, this sensor opens up a whole new field of applications in the area of medical and pharmaceutical related flow monitoring.
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Micro-Machined Flow Sensors Mimicking Lateral Line Canal Neuromasts. MICROMACHINES 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/mi6081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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