A study on contraction of Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) for load-lifting

Abstract

Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) is a type of actuator that similar to human muscle. The PAM is used for converting pneumatic power to pulling force and eventually causing movements of the mechanism. One of the potential usages of the PAM is load-lifting applications. In order to enhance the application of PAM, it is necessary to understand the basis of PAM development. But, only few numbers of study discuss the parameters and suitability of braided mesh with bladder that could enhance the PAM performance. To solve this problem, this study more focused on investigating the compatibility of braided mesh with bladder and also the relationship of length and diameter bladder. The high performance of PAM can be calculated from the higher value of contraction. The braided mesh suitability experiment and the effect of force load on PAM contraction experiment has been carried out to find the optimum size of PAM that lead to the maximum contraction. The experimental results show the relationship of bladder parameter with the braided mesh is necessary to increase the performance of PAM. The case studies is to verify the contraction value under various load when same diameter and different length is used for the PAM.