Improvement of Flexible Linear Stepping Actuator Driven by Pneumatic Balloons and Brakes

The development of soft actuator for the rehabilitation device and power assisting devices has been required based on aging society. However, a flexible actuator that can generate both larger force and longer displacement has not been developed. It is also difficult to realize a flexible displacement sensor with long stroke while deforming its form according to the actuator’s shape. In the previous study, the flexible actuator with larger force and longer stroke that can adjust its stroke by giving stepping motion using pneumatic balloons and brakes was proposed and tested. However, the slipping of the pneumatic brake prevents the larger generated force. In this paper, the improved pneumatic brake using a pneumatic balloon and a mechanical chuck is described. The fundamental performance of the actuator using the improved brake is also described.