Micro-Mechatronic Engineering

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400
Electronics electronics	2.6	5.3	2012	16.4 Days	CHF 2400
Fluids fluids	1.8	3.4	2016	21.1 Days	CHF 1800
Micromachines micromachines	3.0	5.2	2010	16.2 Days	CHF 2100
Processes processes	2.8	5.1	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400
Inventions inventions	2.1	4.8	2016	18.5 Days	CHF 1800
Machines machines	2.1	3.0	2013	15.5 Days	CHF 2400

18 pages, 7779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Fluid Mixing in Microchannels Using Levitated Magnetic Microrobots: A Numerical Study

by Ali Anil Demircali, Abdurrahim Yilmaz and Huseyin Uvet

Micromachines 2025, 16(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16010052 - 31 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1168

The efficient mixing of fluids at microscale dimensions presents challenges due to the dominant laminar flow regime which restricts convective mixing. This study introduces a numerical analysis of a novel microrobotic mixing system with a levitated propeller robot, driven by magnetic fields, within [...] Read more.

The efficient mixing of fluids at microscale dimensions presents challenges due to the dominant laminar flow regime which restricts convective mixing. This study introduces a numerical analysis of a novel microrobotic mixing system with a levitated propeller robot, driven by magnetic fields, within a Y-shaped microchannel with a square cross-section (500 × 500 μm). Our research investigates the fluid mixing effectiveness facilitated by the microrobot through various levitation heights and orientations to enhance the mixing index (MI). This index is tested under different conditions by leveraging the dynamics of the propeller robot, characterized by adjustable roll and pitch angles and varying levitation heights. The numerical simulations, conducted using COMSOL^® (Finite Element Method, FEM) software, integrate Maxwell’s equations for magnetic field interaction with momentum and transport-diffusion equations to analyze fluid dynamics within the microchannel. Results indicate that the propeller robot can achieve an MI of up to 98.94% at a 150 μm levitation height and 1500 rpm propeller speed within 3 s. Additionally, the study examines the impact of propeller speed, Reynolds number, and robot length on mixing performance, providing comprehensive guidance for optimizing microscale fluid mixing in lab-on-a-chip applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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23 pages, 4958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetic Actuation for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy in a Large Workspace Using a Mobile-Coil System

by Xiao Li, Detian Zeng, Han Xu, Qi Zhang and Bin Liao

Micromachines 2024, 15(11), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111373 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1203

Abstract

Current wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is limited in the long examination time and low flexibility since the capsule is passively moved by the natural peristalsis. Efforts have been made to facilitate the active locomotion of WCE using magnetic actuation and localization technologies. This [...] Read more.

Current wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is limited in the long examination time and low flexibility since the capsule is passively moved by the natural peristalsis. Efforts have been made to facilitate the active locomotion of WCE using magnetic actuation and localization technologies. This work focuses on the motion control of the robotic capsule under magnetic actuation in a complex gastrointestinal (GI) tract environment in order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of its motion in dynamic, complex environments. Specifically, a magnetic actuation system based on a four-electromagnetic coil module is designed, and a control strategy for the system is proposed. In particular, the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control parameters and current values are optimized online and in real time using the adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm. In this paper, both simulations and real-world experiments were conducted using acrylic plates with irregular shapes to simulate the GI tract environment for evaluation. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed control methods to realize the accurate and efficient inspection of the intestine using active WCE. The methods presented in this paper can be integrated with current WCE to improve the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of the GI tract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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17 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linear Programming-Based Sparse Kernel Regression with L₁-Norm Minimization for Nonlinear System Modeling

by Xiaoyong Liu, Genglong Yan, Fabin Zhang, Chengbin Zeng and Peng Tian

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112358 - 27 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1142

Abstract

This paper integrates

L_{1}

-norm structural risk minimization with

L_{1}

-norm approximation error to develop a new optimization framework for solving the parameters of sparse kernel regression models, addressing the challenges posed by complex model structures, over-fitting, and limited modeling accuracy [...] Read more.

This paper integrates

L_{1}

-norm structural risk minimization with

L_{1}

-norm approximation error to develop a new optimization framework for solving the parameters of sparse kernel regression models, addressing the challenges posed by complex model structures, over-fitting, and limited modeling accuracy in traditional nonlinear system modeling. The first

L_{1}

-norm regulates the complexity of the model structure to maintain its sparsity, while another

L_{1}

-norm is essential for ensuring modeling accuracy. In the optimization of support vector regression (SVR), the

L_{2}

-norm structural risk is converted to an

L_{1}

-norm framework through the condition of non-negative Lagrange multipliers. Furthermore,

L_{1}

-norm optimization for modeling accuracy is attained by minimizing the maximum approximation error. The integrated

L_{1}

-norm of structural risk and approximation errors creates a new, simplified optimization problem that is solved using linear programming (LP) instead of the more complex quadratic programming (QP). The proposed sparse kernel regression model has the following notable features: (1) it is solved through relatively simple LP; (2) it effectively balances the trade-off between model complexity and modeling accuracy; and (3) the solution is globally optimal rather than just locally optimal. In our three experiments, the sparsity metrics of

S V s %

were 2.67%, 1.40%, and 0.8%, with test RMSE values of 0.0667, 0.0701, 0.0614 (sinusoidal signal), and 0.0431 (step signal), respectively. This demonstrates the balance between sparsity and modeling accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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17 pages, 6915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Experimental Study on Stress Relaxation Response of Polycrystalline γ-TiAl Alloy under Nanoindentation Based on Molecular Dynamics

by Junye Li, Chunyu Wang, Jianhe Liu, Xiwei Dong, Jinghe Zhao and Ying Chen

Micromachines 2024, 15(8), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15081020 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1197

Abstract

This study employed nano-indentation technology, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental investigation to examine the stress relaxation behaviour of a polycrystalline γ-TiAl alloy. The simulation enabled the generation of a load-time curve, the visualisation of internal defect evolution, and the mapping of stress distribution [...] Read more.

This study employed nano-indentation technology, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental investigation to examine the stress relaxation behaviour of a polycrystalline γ-TiAl alloy. The simulation enabled the generation of a load-time curve, the visualisation of internal defect evolution, and the mapping of stress distribution across each grain during the stress relaxation stage. The findings indicate that the load remains stable following an initial decline, thereby elucidating the underlying mechanism of load change during stress relaxation. Furthermore, a nano-indentation test was conducted on the alloy, providing insight into the load variation and stress relaxation behaviour under different loading conditions. By comparing the simulation and experimental results, this study aims to guide the theoretical research and practical application of γ-TiAl alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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22 pages, 30187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Multi-Motor Servo Control System Based on Heterogeneous Embedded Platforms

by Mingrui Gou, Bangji Wang and Xilin Zhang

Electronics 2024, 13(15), 2957; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13152957 - 26 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

Multi-motor servo systems are widely used in industrial control. However, the single-core microprocessor architecture based on the microcontroller unit (MCU) and digital signal processor (DSP) is not well suited for high-performance multi-motor servo systems due to the inherent limitations in computing performance and [...] Read more.

Multi-motor servo systems are widely used in industrial control. However, the single-core microprocessor architecture based on the microcontroller unit (MCU) and digital signal processor (DSP) is not well suited for high-performance multi-motor servo systems due to the inherent limitations in computing performance and serial execution of code. The bus-based distributed architecture formed by interconnecting multiple unit controllers increases system communication complexity, reduces system integration, and incurs additional hardware and software costs. Field programmable gate array (FPGA) possesses the characteristics of high real-time performance, parallel processing, and modularity. A single FPGA can integrate multiple motor servo controllers. This research uses MCU + FPGA as the core to realize high-precision multi-axis real-time control, combining the powerful performance of the MCU processor and the high-speed parallelism of FPGA. The MCU serves as the central processor and facilitates data interaction with the host computer through the controller area network (CAN). After data parsing and efficient computation, MCU communicates with the FPGA through flexible static memory controller (FSMC). A motor servo controller intellectual property (IP) core is designed and packaged for easy reuse within the FPGA. A 38-axis micro direct current (DC) motor control system is constructed to test the performance of the IP core and the heterogeneous embedded platforms. The experimental results show that the designed IP core exhibits robust functionality and scalability. The system exhibits high real-time performance and reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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13 pages, 6763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of an Active Disturbance Rejection Controller for Ophthalmic Robots with Piezo-Driven Injector

by Qiannan Tao, Jianjun Liu, Yu Zheng, Yang Yang, Chuang Lin and Chenhan Guang

Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070833 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

Retinal vein cannulation involves puncturing an occluded vessel on the micron scale. Even single millinewton force can cause permanent damage. An ophthalmic robot with a piezo-driven injector is precise enough to perform this delicate procedure, but the uncertain viscoelastic characteristics of the vessel [...] Read more.

Retinal vein cannulation involves puncturing an occluded vessel on the micron scale. Even single millinewton force can cause permanent damage. An ophthalmic robot with a piezo-driven injector is precise enough to perform this delicate procedure, but the uncertain viscoelastic characteristics of the vessel make it difficult to achieve the desired contact force without harming the retina. The paper utilizes a viscoelastic contact model to explain the mechanical characteristics of retinal blood vessels to address this issue. The uncertainty in the viscoelastic properties is considered an internal disturbance of the contact model, and an active disturbance rejection controller is then proposed to precisely control the contact force. The experimental results show that this method can precisely adjust the contact force at the millinewton level even when the viscoelastic parameters vary significantly (up to 403.8%). The root mean square (RMS) and maximum value of steady-state error are 0.32 mN and 0.41 mN. The response time is below 2.51 s with no obvious overshoot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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16 pages, 6490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Wall Temperature on Rarefied Gas Flows and Heat Transfer in a Micro-Nozzle

by Shurui Zhang, Yong Li, Xudong Wang, Songcai Lu, Yusong Yu and Jun Yang

Micromachines 2024, 15(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15010022 - 22 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1538

Abstract

When the satellite is in orbit, the thruster will experience drastic temperature changes (100–1000 K) under solar radiation, which will affect the rarefied gas flow state in the micro-nozzle structure of the cold gas micro-thruster. In this study, the effect of different wall [...] Read more.

When the satellite is in orbit, the thruster will experience drastic temperature changes (100–1000 K) under solar radiation, which will affect the rarefied gas flow state in the micro-nozzle structure of the cold gas micro-thruster. In this study, the effect of different wall temperatures on the rarefied flow and heat transfer in the micro-nozzle is investigated based on the DSMC method. The micro-nozzle structure in this paper has a micro-channel with a large length-to-diameter ratio of 10 and a micro-scale needle valve displacement (maximum needle valve displacement up to 4 μm). This leads to more pronounced multiscale flow characteristics in the micro-nozzle, which is more influenced by the change in wall temperature. At wall temperatures ranging from 100 K to 1000 K, the spatial distribution of local Kn distribution, slip velocity distribution, temperature, and wall heat flux distribution in the micro-nozzle were calculated. The slip flow region is located in the flow channel and transforms into transition flow as the slip velocity reaches approximately 50 m/s. The spatial distribution of the flow pattern is dominated by the wall temperature at small needle valve opening ratios. The higher the wall temperature, the smaller the temperature drop ratio in the low-temperature region inside the micro-nozzle. The results of the study provide a reference for the design of temperature control of micro-nozzles in cold gas micro-thrusters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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16 pages, 14896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Inspection Technique Using Fit Clearance Based on Microscopic Vision in Precision Assembly

by Yawei Li, Yi Luo and Xiaodong Wang

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101852 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1537

Abstract

Inspection is a crucial process to ensure product quality. In the precision assembly of an optic-mechanical device, a part with micro multi-section arcs needs to be inspected and assembled into another part. Actually, because of machining errors, including dimensional and geometric shapes, can [...] Read more.

Inspection is a crucial process to ensure product quality. In the precision assembly of an optic-mechanical device, a part with micro multi-section arcs needs to be inspected and assembled into another part. Actually, because of machining errors, including dimensional and geometric shapes, can lead to complex deformation modes for parts with micro multi-section arcs, posing challenges to their inspection. Furthermore, inconsistencies in feature images in microscopic vision may complicate the extraction of the Region of Interest (ROI). To address these issues, this paper proposes an ROI extraction method based on the CAD model for rough positioning of feature points and connected region detection for refinement. Subsequently, based on feature points, the CAD model is used again to obtain the ROI. For inspection purposes, this paper proposes a method suitable for micro multi-section arcs based on assembly fit requirements. Experimental testing was performed on parts with eight-section arcs and mirrors to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method provides a suitable solution for the inspection of micro multi-section arcs in precision assembly with the potential to improve the accuracy of the inspection results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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13 pages, 3419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Processing of Gas Turbine Blades Based on Additive Manufacturing Technology

by Xuan Liu, Xingguo Han, Guofu Yin, Xiaohui Song and Lixiu Cui

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091675 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4111

Abstract

Aiming at the problems of the complex shape, difficult three-dimensional (3D) digital modeling and high manufacturing quality requirements of gas turbine blades (GTB), a method of fitting the blade profile line based on a cubic uniform B-spline interpolation function was proposed. Firstly, surface [...] Read more.

Aiming at the problems of the complex shape, difficult three-dimensional (3D) digital modeling and high manufacturing quality requirements of gas turbine blades (GTB), a method of fitting the blade profile line based on a cubic uniform B-spline interpolation function was proposed. Firstly, surface modeling technology was used to complete the fitting of the blade profile of the GTB, and the 3D model of the GTB was synthesized. Secondly, the processing parameters of the additive manufacturing were set, and the GTB model was printed by fused deposition technology. Then, the rapid investment casting was completed with the printed model as a wax model to obtain the GTB casting. Finally, the blade casting was post-processed and measured, and it was found to meet the requirements of machining accuracy and surface quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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17 pages, 5536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variable-Structure Proportional–Integral–Derivative Laser Solder Joint Temperature Intelligent Control Method with Adjustable Power Upper Limit

by Mingchao Li, Pengbin Cao, Cong Zhang, Kuan Yan and Yuquan Zhang

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081618 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

Laser soldering is a crucial soldering technique in the realm of electronic assembly. The temperature of the solder joint is intimately connected with the quality of the solder. This paper introduces an adjustable power upper limit variable-structure Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) intelligent control method for [...] Read more.

Laser soldering is a crucial soldering technique in the realm of electronic assembly. The temperature of the solder joint is intimately connected with the quality of the solder. This paper introduces an adjustable power upper limit variable-structure Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) intelligent control method for regulating the temperature of the solder joint during laser soldering. Distinct laser power limits are employed for workpieces with varying heat capacities. The solder joint temperature is monitored through an infrared thermometer, which enables closed-loop temperature control via a variable-structure PID algorithm. Residual neural network (ResNet) models are utilized to predict key soldering process parameters. This method has been executed and validated on a practical testing platform. Compared to other laser soldering control techniques, the proposed method demonstrates a low overshoot, rapid dynamic response, and swift adjustment capabilities, effectively enhancing the soldering quality and production efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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16 pages, 1679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of the Flight Control Method of a Bird-like Flapping-Wing Air Vehicle

by Xiaoqing Fang, Yian Wen, Zhida Gao, Kai Gao, Qi Luo, Hui Peng and Ronghua Du

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081547 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4698

Abstract

The Bird-like Flapping-wing Air Vehicle (BFAV) is a robotic innovation that emulates the flight patterns of birds. In comparison to fixed-wing and rotary-wing air vehicles, the BFAV offers superior attributes such as stealth, enhanced maneuverability, strong adaptability, and low noise, which render the [...] Read more.

The Bird-like Flapping-wing Air Vehicle (BFAV) is a robotic innovation that emulates the flight patterns of birds. In comparison to fixed-wing and rotary-wing air vehicles, the BFAV offers superior attributes such as stealth, enhanced maneuverability, strong adaptability, and low noise, which render the BFAV a promising prospect for numerous applications. Consequently, it represents a crucial direction of research in the field of air vehicles for the foreseeable future. However, the flapping-wing vehicle is a nonlinear and unsteady system, posing significant challenges for BFAV to achieve autonomous flying since it is difficult to analyze and characterize using traditional methods and aerodynamics. Hence, flight control as a major key for flapping-wing air vehicles to achieve autonomous flight garners considerable attention from scholars. This paper presents an exposition of the flight principles of BFAV, followed by a comprehensive analysis of various significant factors that impact bird flight. Subsequently, a review of the existing literature on flight control in BFAV is conducted, and the flight control of BFAV is categorized into three distinct components: position control, trajectory tracking control, and formation control. Additionally, the latest advancements in control algorithms for each component are deliberated and analyzed. Ultimately, a projection on forthcoming directions of research is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)

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14 pages, 6065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Calibration of Nanoliter per Second Flow Rate by Image Processing Technology

by Jiawei Luo, Cheng Yang and Yan Shen

Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061189 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1749

Abstract

The need for high-precision microflow control is increasingly evident across various fields. For instance, microsatellites employed in gravitational wave detection require flow supply systems with a high accuracy of up to 0.1 nL/s to achieve on-orbit attitude control and orbit control. However, conventional [...] Read more.

The need for high-precision microflow control is increasingly evident across various fields. For instance, microsatellites employed in gravitational wave detection require flow supply systems with a high accuracy of up to 0.1 nL/s to achieve on-orbit attitude control and orbit control. However, conventional flow sensors are unable to provide the necessary precision in the nanoliter per second range, and thus, alternative methods are required. In this study, we propose the use of image processing technology for rapid microflow calibration. Our method involves capturing images of the droplets at the outlet of the flow supply system to rapidly obtain the flow rate, and we used the gravimetric method to verify the accuracy of our approach. We conducted several microflow calibration experiments within the 1.5 nL/s range and demonstrated that image processing technology can achieve the desired accuracy of 0.1 nL/s while saving more than two-thirds of the time required to obtain the flow rate within an acceptable margin of error compared to the gravimetric method. Our study presents an efficient and innovative approach to addressing the challenges of measuring microflows with high precision, particularly in the nanoliter per second range, and has the potential for widespread applications in various fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro-Mechatronic Engineering)
(This article belongs to the Section E：Engineering and Technology)

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