Classic artificial muscle invented in the 1950s.
Video
Process time: 60 min
Materials
- Expandable braided cable sleeving (adaptive size from 6mm – 1/4″ to 13mm – 1/2″)
MacMaster-Carr, Expandable Polyester Sleeving, 9284K2 - Soft Latex rubber tubing (outer diameter: 6mm – 1/4″, inner diameter: 4mm – 5/32″)
McMaster-Carr, Super-Soft Latex Rubber Semi-Clear Tubing, 5234K962 - Barbed tube fittings
- Cable ties (zip ties) (width: 2.5mm)
Tools and Equipments
- Air tube (outer diameter: 3.2mm – 1/8″, inner diameter: 2mm – 5/64″)
SMC, Polyurethane Tubing, TIUB01 - Scissors
- Ruler
- Syringe
- Cable tie gun (optional)
Directions
1Prepare tube and sleeving
Cut the rubber tube in the desired length, for example 80mm. Cut the braided sleeve in the same length as the rubber tube.
3Bundle
Insert the rubber tube into the braided sleeve. Tie up the end of the tube and sleeve together with a cable tie over the barbed plug. Tighten the cable tie to prevent air from leaking. Cut off the excess strap of the cable tie.
5Finishing
Tie up the end of tube and sleeve together with a cable tie over the barbed connector. Tighten the tie to prevent the tubes from slipping off. Cut off the excess strap of the cable tie.
6Test
Connect the air tube and syringe to inflate the rubber tube and contract the artificial muscle.
Bon Appétit! (but don’t eat)
Related Recipes
- Application: Muscle-driven Jumping Tripod Robot