Mechanism Analysis and Experiments of Liquid-drop Micromanipulator

The liquid-drop micromanipulator is composed of a fine tube and six tungsten rods surrounding the tube. Liquid is injected into the tube, and then droplet will be formed at the end of micromanipulator. The liquid-drop micromanipulator can pick up tiny target with the surface tension of the droplet, adjust its orientation or release it by controlling the liquid bridge force which varies with the liquid bridge shape. Mechanical model for the working process of the liquid-drop micromanipulator is established, then the method and physical process of picking up the tiny target, adjusting its orientation and releasing it by the liquid-drop micromanipulator are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the mechanism, acting mode and conditions of all micro forces acting on the process of micro-operation are analyzed, as well as influencing factors on liquid-drop micromanipulator performance. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility of the analysis method.