The axial air gap wobble motor-an appropriate topology for magnetic micromotors

This paper introduces a motor topology called the axial air gap wobble motor. The axial air gap wobble motor was developed for use in biomedical applications, such as ultrasound catheters, requiring motors with diameters between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The motor´s planar geometry eliminates the need for three-dimensional windings and is specifically suited for fabricating magnetic micromotors using photolithography. This paper describes the performance of 10 and 60 mm diameter feasibility prototypes fabricated with conventional construction techniques. The prototypes verified a simulation of motor performance which, in turn, predicts success for a 1 mm diameter motor