Open AccessAssistive exoskeleton hand glove using soft pneumatic actuators: design optimization
Author(s) -
Mohammed Nagy El-Agroudy,
Mohammed I. Awad,
A. Rehan,
Shady A. Maged
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/973/1/012041
Subject(s) - exoskeleton , actuator , pneumatic actuator , displacement (psychology) , soft robotics , pneumatic artificial muscles , finite element method , computer science , mechanical engineering , engineering , structural engineering , simulation , artificial muscle , artificial intelligence , psychology , psychotherapist
An assistive exoskeleton hand glove can be the solution to people who suffer from impairment in hand functionality. Soft pneumatic actuators (SPA) are used to actuate such glove. This paper focus on optimizing the design of the soft actuator. Finite element (FE) model is linked with the design optimization tool to find the optimal dimensions and materials of the SPA that give maximum displacement of the actuator with acceptable stresses on the actuator’s body. Performance analysis shows the relation between different parameters and how each affect the performance of the actuator. Results show the dimensions and materials needed to have maximum actuator displacement without being subjected to high stresses.