Eniko T Enikov

Eniko T Enikov

Professor, Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor, BIO5 Institute
Department Affiliations
Contact
(520) 621-4506

Work Summary

Dr. Enikov's area of expertise is the design of micro-actuators, MEMS devices, and sensors. Ongoing projects include the production of Inflatable Drug-Delivery Stents through the process of Dynamic Stabilization of Electro-Spinning. The research will examine theoretically the feasibility of trapping charged fibers and will establish the required trapping parameters.

Research Interest

Dr. Enikov's area of expertise is the design of micro-actuators, MEMS devices, and sensors. After completion of his training, he established the Advanced Micro- and Nanosystems Laboratory at the University of Arizona, where they have carried out numerous research projects involving precision assembly of micro-systems under optical feedback, development of wet actuators using ion-exchange polymers, pressure sensors, and accelerometers. In the last 8-years, his research has applied micro-technology to the development of medical devices. More specifically, they have developed a through-the-eye lid tactile tonometer capable of estimating intraocular pressure using an array of MEMS sensors. A second invention pertains to the development of an implantable ventricular peritoneal shunt with flow sensing capabilities. The present project represents a major focus of his laboratory. They have completed several early-stage studies on tactile tonometery supporting the present application. Given Dr. Enikov's technical background and prior effort in the area of tactile tonometery, he believes he is uniquely qualified to lead the proposed effort.

Publications

Enikov, E. T., Polyzoev, V., & Gill, J. (2011). Hardware demonstration of classical undergraduate control design methods using matlab real-time windows target environment. ASME 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2011, 5, 21-27.

Abstract:

Engineering education has the objective of not only presenting the scientific principles, i.e., engineering science, but also of teaching students how to apply these to real problems. Therefore, hands-on laboratories have been an integral part of the engineering curriculum since its inception [1-3]. This presentation will demonstrate the use of a novel low-cost experimental apparatus for use in a typical undergraduate course in control systems taught to mechanical engineering students, i.e. students with limited exposure to electrical engineering. A simple to use, low cost system has been designed that provides a platform for experimentation in areas from basic open loop control, to frequency domain and digital control systems. This paper presents the design of the system, and demonstrates the ability of MAT-LAB tools such as Simulink Real Time Windows Target to illustrate implementation of various aspects of control design. The system setup consists of a DC micro-motor attached to a carbon fiber rod. The angular displacement is measured with an analog potentiometer, which acts as the pivot point for the carbon fiber rod. The DC micro-motor is powered by a low cost, custom circuit board, whos H-bridge allows the motor rotate in either forward or reverse directions. Attached to the micro-motor is a small propeller, providing thrust force to rotate the pendulum about its potentiometer. The circuit board communicates to the host computer using the USB protocol, utilizing usbser.sys to create a virtual COM port. MATLAB uses the serial port object to read and write from the control board. The control board is powered through two USB ports, requiring no external power adaptor or extra cabling. This paper shows the use of feedback linearization to arrive at a system where classical linear control design methods can be used. The project was tested in a classical control systems design class offered to senior-level mechanical engineering students. Student feedback and survey data on the effectiveness of the module is also presented. Copyright © 2011 by ASME.

Deng, K., & Enikov, E. T. (2010). Design and development of a pulsed electromagnetic micro-actuator for 3D virtual tactile displays. Mechatronics, 20(4), 503-509.

Abstract:

The design and analysis of a miniature electromagnetic actuator for use in a novel virtual tactile display is described. The actuator operates in repulsive mode so that it can be used for vibro-tactile stimulation of a human fingertip. Pulsed current and permanent magnet based approaches are investigated and compared. Four frequencies (10, 50, 100, and 150 Hz) were used to test the perception limit of three human subjects. The results indicated that the perception is not strongly dependent on frequency in the test range. The required stimulation energy of individual pulses was estimated to be below 57 micro-Joules, while the average peak-force needed for reliable stimulation was 59 milli-Newtons. The perception of simple test shapes was also tested by attaching the actuator onto the fingertip of the human subjects and turning it on and off as a function of its position. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enikov, E. T., & Lazarov, K. V. (2004). Hybrid micro-meso mechanical switch array for tactile displays. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems Division, (Publications) MEMS, 181-188.

Abstract:

Traditional MEMS actuators have limited stroke and force characteristics. This paper describes the development of a novel hybrid actuation solution, which utilizes a micromachined actuator array to provide switching of mechanical motion of a larger meso-scale piezo-electric actuator. One motivating application of this technology is the development of a tactile display, where discrete mechanical actuators apply vibratory excitation at discrete locations on the skin. Specifically, this paper describes the development fabrication and characterization of a 4 × 5 micro-actuator array of individual vibrating pixels for fingertip tactile communication. The individual pixels are turned ON and OFF by pairs of microscopic thermal actuators, while the main vibration is generated by a vibrating piezo-electric plate. A thermo-electric and non-linear thermo-elastic models have been developed to account for the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance and the lateral buckling of the hot, respectively. Comparison between analytical and finite element models indicated very good agreement, confirming that the buckling of the hot arm has most significant impact in the overall actuator performance. The fabrication sequence and the actuation performance of the array are also presented. Copyright © 2004 by ASME.

Swan, E., Schwiegerling, J., Peyman, G., & Enikov, E. T. (2014). Photostress Testing Device for Diagnosing Retinal Disease. Photonics, 1(3), 211-219.
Boyd, J. G., & Enikov, E. T. (2000). Finite element analysis of electric field assisted bonding. Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 3992, 306-318.

Abstract:

An anodic bond is modeled as a moving nonmaterial line forming the intersection of three material surfaces representing the unbonded conductor, the unbonded insulator, and the bonded interface. The component mass balance equations, Gauss' law, and the linear momentum equations are placed in a finite element formulation, which is used to predict the evolution of the sodium ion concentration, electric potential, and stress during anodic bonding of Pyrex glass and silicon.