Pengfei Han
Logo University of Twente
Logo Zhejiang University

Pengfei Han was born in Heilongjiang, China, in 1999. He received a B.Eng and M.Eng degree from the School of Mechatronics Engineering at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. His research interests include electromagnetic actuators, soft robotics, and medical robotics.

He is a PhD student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente. Pengfei joined the Biomedical Device Design and Production Technology (BDDP) group in 2024.

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Education
  • University of Twente
    University of Twente
    Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Engineering
    Nov. 2024 - present
  • Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering
    Sep. 2021 - Mar. 2024
  • Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    B.Eng in Mechatronics Engineering
    Sep. 2017 - Jun. 2021
Experience
  • Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Research Assistant
    Apr. 2024 - Oct. 2024
Honors & Awards
  • Outstanding Postgraduate of Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province
    2024
  • National Scholarship
    2023
  • Qianpu Mechatronic Scholarship
    2022
  • Outstanding Graduate of Zhejiang University
    2021
  • Zhejiang University Scholarship - Third Prize
    2020
  • Festo Scholarship
    2020
News
2024
New paper alert! Energy-saving, high-pressure resistant mini valve based on a bistable electromagnetic actuator
Oct 30
Welcome to my homepage!
Sep 30
Selected Publications (view all )
Energy-saving, high-pressure resistant mini valve based on a bistable electromagnetic actuator

Fang Lu, Pengfei Han, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 2024

As core components of microfluidic and wearable pneumatic electronic systems, mini valves are attracting a growing intellectual interest. However, most existing mini valve exhibit either excessive energy consumption or limited flow rate and holding pressure. To address these issues, this study proposes an energy-saving mini valve with large flow rate and high holding pressure. The implementation of electromagnetic bistable structure allows the valve to remain open or closed without energy consumption. In contrast to the small and intricate flow channels seen in conventional mini valves, the straight-through flow channel design with reduced flow resistance improves its flow rate properties. And the pressure resistance characteristics are enhanced by the use of permanent magnetic attraction for sealing. Furthermore, the valve is driven by a single coil to switch between two steady states, resulting in a more compact structure. We have developed valve prototypes with diameters of 10 mm and 6 mm. Performance evaluation tests have shown that it sustains a holding pressure as high as 100 kPa and a flow rate of 1.5 L/min (@ 3 kPa), while only expending an energy of 0.37 J during switch transitions. Given these attributes, this valve demonstrates significant potential for integration within wearable pneumatic electronic systems.

[paper]

Energy-saving, high-pressure resistant mini valve based on a bistable electromagnetic actuator

Fang Lu, Pengfei Han, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 2024

As core components of microfluidic and wearable pneumatic electronic systems, mini valves are attracting a growing intellectual interest. However, most existing mini valve exhibit either excessive energy consumption or limited flow rate and holding pressure. To address these issues, this study proposes an energy-saving mini valve with large flow rate and high holding pressure. The implementation of electromagnetic bistable structure allows the valve to remain open or closed without energy consumption. In contrast to the small and intricate flow channels seen in conventional mini valves, the straight-through flow channel design with reduced flow resistance improves its flow rate properties. And the pressure resistance characteristics are enhanced by the use of permanent magnetic attraction for sealing. Furthermore, the valve is driven by a single coil to switch between two steady states, resulting in a more compact structure. We have developed valve prototypes with diameters of 10 mm and 6 mm. Performance evaluation tests have shown that it sustains a holding pressure as high as 100 kPa and a flow rate of 1.5 L/min (@ 3 kPa), while only expending an energy of 0.37 J during switch transitions. Given these attributes, this valve demonstrates significant potential for integration within wearable pneumatic electronic systems.

[paper]

A single-coil-driven tristable electromagnetic mini valve with multiple working states

Jingjia Zhu, Pengfei Han, Chao Qi, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Tadahiko shinshi, Dong Han

Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 2024

Electromagnetic mini valves have attracted great interest in medical devices for their excellent performance and high integration. In state-of-the-art research, most mini valves have only two working states, while certain ones featuring three to four working states necessitate multiple driving sources. To solve these problems, a novel tristable electromagnetic mini valve with three stable working states achieved by a single coil was proposed. The actuation mechanism of this mini valve mainly comprises a cylindrical magnet (CM) and a ring magnet (RM) coaxially arranged. In the absence of current through the coil, the stability of the magnets is upheld by their mutual repulsion and the attraction of the iron core. Upon modifying both the magnitude and orientation of the current, one of the magnets traverses from one terminus to another each time. The two magnets are either stationary at the start point or the endpoint. Thereby, four position relationships are formed, three of which are stable. The minimum response time and energy consumption are 3.75 ms and 0.013 J, respectively. The working pressure of the valve ranges from 0 to 200 kPa. The maximum flow rate and back pressure reach 10.5 L/min and 180 kPa, respectively. A tristable design contributes to lower energy consumption, and the three-working-state function actuated by a single coil facilitates a diminution in the size of the mini valve. Consequently, a diminished quantity of valves is realized for multiple degree-of-freedom pneumatic actuator control, which promotes the miniaturization of the whole system. The dimensions and performance of the proposed mini valve substantiate its potential in pneumatic medical devices.

[paper]

A single-coil-driven tristable electromagnetic mini valve with multiple working states

Jingjia Zhu, Pengfei Han, Chao Qi, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Tadahiko shinshi, Dong Han

Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical 2024

Electromagnetic mini valves have attracted great interest in medical devices for their excellent performance and high integration. In state-of-the-art research, most mini valves have only two working states, while certain ones featuring three to four working states necessitate multiple driving sources. To solve these problems, a novel tristable electromagnetic mini valve with three stable working states achieved by a single coil was proposed. The actuation mechanism of this mini valve mainly comprises a cylindrical magnet (CM) and a ring magnet (RM) coaxially arranged. In the absence of current through the coil, the stability of the magnets is upheld by their mutual repulsion and the attraction of the iron core. Upon modifying both the magnitude and orientation of the current, one of the magnets traverses from one terminus to another each time. The two magnets are either stationary at the start point or the endpoint. Thereby, four position relationships are formed, three of which are stable. The minimum response time and energy consumption are 3.75 ms and 0.013 J, respectively. The working pressure of the valve ranges from 0 to 200 kPa. The maximum flow rate and back pressure reach 10.5 L/min and 180 kPa, respectively. A tristable design contributes to lower energy consumption, and the three-working-state function actuated by a single coil facilitates a diminution in the size of the mini valve. Consequently, a diminished quantity of valves is realized for multiple degree-of-freedom pneumatic actuator control, which promotes the miniaturization of the whole system. The dimensions and performance of the proposed mini valve substantiate its potential in pneumatic medical devices.

[paper]

A Bistable Four-Working-States Electromagnetic Mini Valve Based on Flexible Magnets for Pneumatic Soft Actuators

Pengfei Han, Fang Lu, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 2023

Electromagnetic mini valves have attracted widespread interest recently. However, traditional ones usually have two working states and necessitate continuous energy input. To solve these issues, we developed a bistable electromagnetic compact valve (R9×44 mm) with four working states based on 3D-printed moving magnets. For obtaining four working states, each moving magnet with a fixed-beam structure is actuated independently. To keep working without requiring energy, we present a magnetic-force-based bistable mechanism involving iron cores, moving magnets, and fixed magnets. Since the valve’s closing and opening are kept by an intrinsic magnetic force between magnets, it requires an instantaneous current (0.008 s) to switch working modes. Furthermore, we added a 1 mm-thick magnet to the moving magnet to enhance the valve’s performance. Consequently, its pressure and flow rate dramatically rose from 1.0 kPa to 30.0 kPa and 0.18 L/min to 11.2 L/min, respectively. Its energy consumption and response time are 0.16 J and 0.008 s. Due to its four working states and bistable function, this research is demonstrated to reduce the number of valves and energy required in pneumatic systems. In the future, we will focus on its applications in invasive surgery equipment and bionic devices.

[paper]

A Bistable Four-Working-States Electromagnetic Mini Valve Based on Flexible Magnets for Pneumatic Soft Actuators

Pengfei Han, Fang Lu, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 2023

Electromagnetic mini valves have attracted widespread interest recently. However, traditional ones usually have two working states and necessitate continuous energy input. To solve these issues, we developed a bistable electromagnetic compact valve (R9×44 mm) with four working states based on 3D-printed moving magnets. For obtaining four working states, each moving magnet with a fixed-beam structure is actuated independently. To keep working without requiring energy, we present a magnetic-force-based bistable mechanism involving iron cores, moving magnets, and fixed magnets. Since the valve’s closing and opening are kept by an intrinsic magnetic force between magnets, it requires an instantaneous current (0.008 s) to switch working modes. Furthermore, we added a 1 mm-thick magnet to the moving magnet to enhance the valve’s performance. Consequently, its pressure and flow rate dramatically rose from 1.0 kPa to 30.0 kPa and 0.18 L/min to 11.2 L/min, respectively. Its energy consumption and response time are 0.16 J and 0.008 s. Due to its four working states and bistable function, this research is demonstrated to reduce the number of valves and energy required in pneumatic systems. In the future, we will focus on its applications in invasive surgery equipment and bionic devices.

[paper]

Multi-state, three-way, normally open mini valve based on 3D printed flexible magnets using origami-inspired magnetization

Pengfei Han, Fang Lu, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

Smart Materials and Structures 2023

Electromagnetic mini valves for controlling pneumatic soft actuators are attracting widespread interest in recent years. However, it is known that the traditional electromagnetic valves on the millimeter scale generally have three or fewer working states, and their moving parts are usually permanent magnets with a special shape that needs expensive manufacturing. To overcome these problems, this study aims to develop a mini valve with four working states based on flexible magnets at a low fabrication cost. We take full advantage of low-cost 3D-printed magnets’ physical and magnetic properties and improve their performance through origami-inspired magnetization. A fixed-beam-structure flexible magnet is proposed to control this valve via deformation so that valve’s two sides can be driven independently, resulting in four working states. Compared with conventional sintered magnets, 3D printing magnets can be manufactured quickly and affordably. Due to the proposed valves’ more operating states than the state-of-art three-way ones, they are proven to reduce the number of small control elements in the pneumatic system. The maximum flow rate of the valve at 5 kPa air pressure was 0.81 L/min at the power consumption of 20 W. This mini valve has the potential in controlling multi-degree-of-freedom pneumatic soft actuators.

[paper]

Multi-state, three-way, normally open mini valve based on 3D printed flexible magnets using origami-inspired magnetization

Pengfei Han, Fang Lu, Guofang Gong, Huayong Yang, Dong Han

Smart Materials and Structures 2023

Electromagnetic mini valves for controlling pneumatic soft actuators are attracting widespread interest in recent years. However, it is known that the traditional electromagnetic valves on the millimeter scale generally have three or fewer working states, and their moving parts are usually permanent magnets with a special shape that needs expensive manufacturing. To overcome these problems, this study aims to develop a mini valve with four working states based on flexible magnets at a low fabrication cost. We take full advantage of low-cost 3D-printed magnets’ physical and magnetic properties and improve their performance through origami-inspired magnetization. A fixed-beam-structure flexible magnet is proposed to control this valve via deformation so that valve’s two sides can be driven independently, resulting in four working states. Compared with conventional sintered magnets, 3D printing magnets can be manufactured quickly and affordably. Due to the proposed valves’ more operating states than the state-of-art three-way ones, they are proven to reduce the number of small control elements in the pneumatic system. The maximum flow rate of the valve at 5 kPa air pressure was 0.81 L/min at the power consumption of 20 W. This mini valve has the potential in controlling multi-degree-of-freedom pneumatic soft actuators.

[paper]

All publications