The metal hydride (MH) actuator is based on a new concept using the reversible reaction between the heat energy and mechanical energy of a hydrogen absorbing alloy. As the MH actuator is driven by heat, the response speed depends on the heat conductivity of the alloy layer in the MH container. Changing the alloy layer thickness directly influences the hydrogen absorption speed, and the addition of Cu-powder to the alloy layer contributes to improve heat conductivity.
The MH actuator is characterized by large output per weight of the unit, that is, compactness, noiseless operation and smooth action. As an actuator suitable for use in rehabilitation equiment, we have developed a large-output MH actuator that is driven by heat from eletric heaters and tapwater, and then applied it to a toilet seat lifter and investigated its adaptability.
It is expected that such MH actuators will play important roles in the development of various types of rehabilitation equipment.
