Enlarging output of high torque controllable clutch using ER gel

Abstract

This study is concerned with the development of an Electro-Rheological (ER) Gel Linear Actuator (ERGLA) as the principle component of a high torque controllable clutch that has applications in robots that coexist with humans. Applying the ER gel to clutches in force transmission assembly decreases the inertia and mechanical limit of the maximum speed, enabling keeping high controllability. This paper focuses on enlarging the output torque of the clutch with ER gels, which is a the main part of the ERGLA.