Development of Pneumatic Variable Friction Dumper to Correct Body Movement

Abstract

In this study, the variable friction dumper driven with pneumatic actuator is developed to correct body movement. The developed device is constructed with friction members which are made with rubber, and pneumatic artificial rubber muscle, nylon belt. By controlling inner pressure of rubber muscle or changing number of rubber muscles, nylon belt pull-out force generated from friction force between friction members can be changed. It is assumed that this pull-out force is used to correct movement. In this paper, structure and principle of this device are described and then the characteristics are discussed.