Fluidic Variable Resistance Mechanism that Memorizes Fluid Flow

- Evaluation of the Prototype and its Application to Grippers with Fluid Elements –

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a fluidic variable resistance mechanism as a memory device. Fluid circuits are expected to effectively bring simple intelligence to fluid-driven flexible grippers, which are promising solutions for grasping objects of various shapes; however, a fluidic device corresponding to a memristor has not been realized. Here, we introduced a mechanism in which the resistance changes when the flow rate exceeds a certain amount and acts as a memory device in fluid circuits. The prototype showed a pressure loss-flow rate characteristic with hysteresis, suggesting it can function as memory. As future development, the concept of integrating the proposed fluidic element　into fluid-driven grippers is also described.