Snap Pump: A Snap-Through Mechanism for a Pulsatile Pump

Pulsatile flow is widespread in nature, but replicating such impulsive periodic pumping routines with traditional rotary actuators complex and energetically inefficient. We demonstrate the feasibility of an actuator capable generating displacement by exploiting bistable equilibrium a simple mechanism. These kind mechanisms, commonly known as snap-through offer benefit sudden release elastic energy at interface between two stable structural configurations. This property has been employed certain to drive abrupt motions mechanical systems. Here, we use this principle inflation/deflation routine fluid-filled cavity, thus peaked, pulsatile flow, comparable that encountered biological Assessment various stages actuation system shows sharp drop occurs from hydraulic work, highlighting need for improved design elements involved stage actuation.