Portable Pneumatic Actuator System Using MH Alloys, Employed as Assistive Devices

Abstract

Metal hydride (MH) actuators that use reversible reaction between heat and mechanical energy are suitable as a power source for rehabilitation or assistive devices. To avoid the risk of a hydrogen drive and obtain broader use than conventional MH actuators, we developed an MH air compressor that converts the hydrogen pressure of the MH actuator to air pressure. Although this compressor requires time to restore consumed air, it has the advantages of small size and flexible shape. Sit-to-stand motion aid for a wheelchair user that is the size of a seat cushion was developed using the MH air compressor.