Nomally-closed valve integration for pneumatic actuators

Air-operated actuators have its merits that are safety, lightweight, high torque, robustness, and low cost comparing to electrical or magnetic actuators. However, the pneumatic actuator requires own control valve for introducing and releasing compressed air to drive the actuators. We designed and fabricated an integrated microvalve system for pneumatic actuators, which uses normally closed valve. Miniaturizing pneumatic control system enables robotics drive system that is combined lightweight and high power. Employing normally closed valves low power consumption. The system can control (m*n) outputs with (m+n) solenoid valves. The prototype device that is regulated by 8 solenoid valves controls independent 16 outputs.