What are the end use markets that would use micro hydraulic systems
(or miniaturized hydraulic systems)?

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Request for Question Clarification by krobert-ga on 15 Apr 2003 11:57 PDT

febreze-ga,

I'll post this as an answer if your happy with it:

Basically, microhydraulics could be used anywhere that
microservoactuators are used. You would be putting a hydraulic system
in the place of what is predominantly a electrical system.

Likely applications:

- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Robotics (office-type robotics, not really industrial or space
applications)

Barriers to getting micro-hydraulics to replace electrical systems in
current or future designs:

- Reliability
- Speed
- Precision
- Strength
- Survivability
- Size
- Weight
- Necessary onboard support equipment
- Maintainability

Let me know if that answers your question!

krobert-ga

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Clarification of Question by febreze-ga on 16 Apr 2003 06:45 PDT

krobert-ga,

Looks good, but can you comment on how or if micro-hydraulic systems
could play in markets such as ink jets, drug delivery, analytical
applications (environmental testing, diagnostics, etc.), genomics
(lab-on-a-chip), and government/military (bioterrorism detection)?

Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by krobert-ga on 16 Apr 2003 07:32 PDT

febreze-ga,

Are you interested in micro-fluidics applications? The terminology may
be stalling my understanding of your application.

When you mentioned micro-hydraulics, I assumed that you meant small,
precision, hydraulic systems that would serve as actuators in
mechanical systems.

My understanding of micro-fluidics is more in line with what you just
mentioned in yout clarification. Basically, micro-fluidics refers to
the lab-on-a-chip applications that you mentioned... fluid mechanics
applied at the micro-liter level.

I could point you in the direction of a few good articles that will be
able to get you up to speed on the subject of microfluidics, and
educate you on the applications planned for the technology.

Let me know if this is what you would like me to provide.

Best to you,

krobert-ga

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Clarification of Question by febreze-ga on 17 Apr 2003 05:39 PDT

krobert-ga,

The micro-fluidics articles would be great.  I'm looking for end use
markets that could be appropriate for precision machined components
(vavles, nozzles, connectors, etc.).  Sorry for the confusion with the
terminiology, but I believe both micro-hydraulics and micro-fluidics
could be potential end use market for precision machined components.

Thanks again.

Febreze-ga,

Here are the articles I mentioned:

MIT Techreview - "How microfluidics works"
https://www.techreview.com/articles/visualize1002.asp

You may have to register at the above site before your can read the
article.

This next one is an article from a MEMS manufacturer:

Coventor - Biotech and Microfluidics 
http://www.coventor.com/microfluidics/

This is a collection of very technical articles on the applications of
microfluidics:

Nano Science and Technology Institute
http://www.nsti.org/procs/MSM2000/13

Another technical article on applications (less technical than the
previous set):

Harvard - Microfluidics: Basic Issues, Applications, and Challenges
http://icg.harvard.edu/~apphy298/Papers/Stone/StoneAIChERev2001.pdf

Let me know if these articles are helpful, if not, please request a
clarification.

Best to you,

krobert-ga

Search Strategy:

Google
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=microfluidics+applications