| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J92620/01 |
| Title: |
CONTROLLABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE PNEUMATIC MUSCLES DRIVEN BY A PORTABLE CHEMICAL SOURCE |
| Principal Investigator: |
Caldwell, Professor DG |
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| Department: |
Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Salford |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 1994 |
Ends: |
31 December 1996 |
Value (£): |
66,632
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The objective of this research is the development of a new high power and power/weight volume actuation systems capable of being operated for extended periods (up to 4 hours) from a self contained power module and supply. To achieve this a chemo-pneumatic system is proposed that will address the control problems of pneumatic systems while keeping their power and simplicity advantages. The primary energy supply will be produced by direct conversion of chemical energy (cf animal muscles). This source has the ability to store vast quantities of energy in a relatively limited volume. As a test bed for this system the actuators will be used to power a dextrous manipulator. Systems of this type will be of benefit in many areas particularly prosthetics and future generation of robots which will be required to operate extensively outside normal environments. Clearly there is an over-riding need for the development of a new actuation/power source module capable of extended autonomous operation.Pneumatic muscle actuators and a dextrous manipulator test bed have been developed during the SERC sponsored feasibility study period of this project, and this programme now requires additional funding to carry the initial concept through to conclusion.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.salford.ac.uk |