Evaluation of Flow Control Valve using Particle Excitation for High Pressure Artificial Muscle

Abstract

Many fluidic control components are required for the multiple-degree-of-freedom mechanisms of a robot using hydraulic actuators. As a result, the volume of fluidic control system tends to increase. Therefore, the compact and lightweight fluidic control components are required. In previous researches, the flow control valves using particle excitation was developed as a compact hydraulic flow control valve. However, it is difficult for the particle-excitation-flow-control-valves to control flow rate of high pressurized fluid. In this research, we have developed the pilot type particle-excitation-flow-control-valve for high pressure artificial muscle. For a structure of the fabricated valve, we used a 2 stage valve structure to control the high pressure actuator with low power. We have evaluated the performance of the fabricated valve.