Integration of a Quantum Tunneling Composite-Based Sensor with the Flexible Actuator for Neurogenic Underactive Bladder

The usage of shape memory alloy actuators to restore voiding of the bladder for myogenic underactive bladder (UAB) patients with detrusor contractility disorder has been proposed recently. A successful voiding percentage of about 20% was achieved for an anesthetized rat. However, the neurogenic UAB patients may suffer from nerve damage as well as detrusor disorder that requires an additional sensor to identify the fullness status of the bladder. For this purpose, a flexible quantum tunneling composite (QTC) layer is used to define a strain sensor that is conformably integrated inside the flexible 3D printed vest of the actuator. The QTC sensor showed an increase in the resistance for about 0.61 MΩ during the filling of the rubber model of the bladder up to 5 mL. The resistance change for the sensor during the actuation is also studied.