Abstract
This paper presents the development of a mechanical SMA urethral valve driven by a portable transcutaneous energy transmission system, which is powered by batteries. Structure of the valve was improved by introducing a bite mechanism in order to prevent the pinch of urethra by the valve. The cycling characteristics and energy transmission efficiency were examined by laboratory tests. Experimental results show that the stable operation can be obtained by introducing a voltage regulating circuit to the energy transmission system and utilizing the sinusoidal oscillation in the energy transmission system can enhance the transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the function of the valve system was tested by the in vitro and in vivo animal experiments.
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