A low-friction passive fluid transmission and fluid-tendon soft actuator | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

A low-friction passive fluid transmission and fluid-tendon soft actuator


Abstract:

We present a passive fluid transmission based on antagonist pairs of rolling diaphragm cylinders. The transmission fluid working volume is completely sealed, forming a cl...Show More

Abstract:

We present a passive fluid transmission based on antagonist pairs of rolling diaphragm cylinders. The transmission fluid working volume is completely sealed, forming a closed, passive system, ensuring input-output symmetry and complete backdrivability. Rolling diaphragm-sealed cylinders provide leak-free operation without the stiction of a traditional sliding seal. Fluid pressure preloading allows for bidirectional operation and also serves to preload the gears or belts in the linear-to-rotary output coupler, eliminating system backlash end-to-end. A prototype transmission is built and tested for stiffness, bandwidth, and frictional properties using either air or water as working fluids. Torque transmission is smooth over the entire stroke and stiction is measured to be one percent of full-range torque or less. We also present a tendon-coupled design where the rolling diaphragm is inverted from its normal orientation; this design does not require shaft support bushings, tolerates misalignment, and can be made out of substantially soft materials. Actuator units and a passive transmission are demonstrated using this new soft cylinder design.
Date of Conference: 14-18 September 2014
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 06 November 2014
ISBN Information:

ISSN Information:

Conference Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Contact IEEE to Subscribe

References

References is not available for this document.