Ring muscle

Year

1996 – 1998

The idea

Modelled on the sea squirt and the jellyfish, this pneumatic muscle can contract as a ring.

The objective

The ring muscle can reduce its internal cross-section until it closes entirely.

Technical data

• Outer sleeve: rigid
• Air cushions: radially configured, longitudinally segmented

Operating principle

The ring muscle is an adaptable pneumatic actuator with movable air cushions inside a fixed sleeve. When filled with air, the annular cushion exerts uniform pressure on the inner surfaces, thereby generating adhesion over a large area.

Application

Possible fields of application for the ring muscle in fluid technology range from flow control to a valve function. In robotics, the pneumatic actuator could be used for gripping, holding or centring components with sensitive surfaces.