Multi objective optimization and experimental investigation of the stirring performance of a novel micro actuator

Fragmented thrombolytic micro-actuators, a novel vascular recanalization technology, demonstrate potential excellent stirring performance in narrow and curved blood vessels. Optimizing their structural parameters and conducting performance evaluations are key areas of research in this field. This study employs the finite element (FE) method to numerically investigate the effect of critical structural parameters on the stirring performance of a novel scissor-type thrombolytic micro-actuator. A quadratic predictive model for its tip amplitude and stirring force is established using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Subsequently, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III) is utilized for Multi-Objective Optimization to identify the optimal combination of structural parameters. A micro-actuator prototype is fabricated and experiments on its stirring performance are conducted. The results indicate that the slit beam thickness has the most significant effect on stirring performance. After optimization, the maximum tip amplitude and maximum stirring force of the micro-actuator improve by 61.33% and 80.19%, respectively. This research lays a solid foundation for the miniaturization and clinical application of fragmented thrombolytic micro-actuators.