|
|
|
Merlin Systems Corp. Ltd
HumaniformTM
Robotics |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is a Humaniform Muscle?
We needed an actuator that was powerful, lightweight and
compliant that operated in a manner that was similar to human
muscles. After some searching we decided we needed to invent a new
type of actuator which we call the Humaniform Air Muscle (patent
pending). The Humaniform Muscle overshadows McKibben style air
muscles by incorporating valves, connectors, and fixings ...
everything you need to install and control muscles in real
applications. |
|
|
|
How does a Humaniform Muscle Work?
The muscle
consists of a high durability rubber inner tube that is surrounded
by a tough braided mesh. The muscle is mounted and secured using the
clamp blocks at each end. One end is attached to the object your
wish to move the other remains fixed. As air is allowed into the
muscle, the braid expands radially and contracts axially causing the
muscle to shorten in length. |
|
|
|
|
Where do I get the compressed air?
There are a number of ways of generating compressed air. The most
common is to use an air compressor. Air compressors are either oil
free (noisy but clean) or oil filled (requires oil filter but very
quiet - like a fridge compressor). You can get these ranging from
very compact to very large. A tyre compressor is a good example of a
compact air compressor. Compressed air cylinders can also be
purchased from diving supply shops and a variety of other
applications. Compressed air can also be generated by chemical means
although we haven’t tried these yet (let us know is you have!).
|
|
|
|
|
How do I arrange Humaniform Muscles for my
application?
These to a large extent depends on the application. Bear in mind
that muscles only exert force during contraction i.e. you need
another muscle or a return spring to pull in the opposite direction.
This is like the muscle arrangement in a human body where we have
muscles arranged in pairs. The agonist muscle pulls in one direction
the antagonist muscle pulls in the other. |
|
|
