A vibro-impact remote-controlled capsule in millimeter scale: Design, modeling, experimental validation and dynamic response

Abstract

This paper represents a new solution to the design problem of integrating sufficient power source, actuator, and controller into a "pill-sized" form of a typical capsule. All components are enclosed in an 11 mm diameter, 36 mm long cylinder weighing 7.26 gs. The actuator was designed so that a battery with a capacity of 35 mAh can theoretically supply sufficient energy for 7 h of operation. The excitation's amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle are remotely controlled by a wireless pulse width modulation signal. All steps of the new system development are fully described, including conceptual and embodiment design, fabrication, experimental setup, and parameter identification. The mathematical model is then experimentally validated and used to analyze the system response, where the bifurcation technique is applied to carry out the coexisting attractions and their basins. Recommendations on design and operational parameters are then provided, considering progression and energy efficiencies. The results provide the feasibility of further studies to realize vibro-impact driven and remote-controlled capsules using wireless control in standard size.