Development of Convex Type Tandem Telescopic Mechanism

Abstract

We are developing clustered convex type telescopic manipulators. Compared with the conventional linier actuators, our convex type manipulator can make long reach and are very light. They are also compact when they are reeled up. Even for these advantages, our previous models have a risk of bending because the quasi-pipe like telescopic structure was based two tapes with parallel bending directions. In this report, we will describe the new manipulator type-K2, which employs crisscross-conformation of tapes for stabilizing of the quasi-pipe conformation with four tapes with cross bending directions, to improve the total performance. The tape driving mechanism has specially designed structure for the tandem conformation, for quasi-4 tape operation.