Development of a body protection orthosis by using silicon outer fence mold actuator

We investigate a new type of element to realize a body protection orthosis with human compatibility. The element is a flexible actuator (silicon outer fence of mold actuator) and its structure is a soft mechanism that a sponge rubber is covered with silicon rubber. In order to develop the orthosis, basic characteristics of the element are cleared through some experiments. At first, we explain about the elements to realize a body protection with human compatibility. Next, the rebound characteristics of the element are investigated. Furthermore, we clarify the characteristics of the impact force with respect to each sponge material. Finally, the impact force characteristics with respect to pressure in the sponge chamber are cleared from some experimental results.