Layer jamming actuator

Layer Jamming Actuator for Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Postures

This technology relates to a layer jamming actuator, a drive system for wearable robots that varies stiffness through an enclosure structure capable of sliding and pivoting.

Conventional layer jamming actuator units have limitations in bending and tensile movement, making them difficult to use in various body postures.

This technology prevents interference and enables smooth operation by configuring each enclosure to slide and pivot relative to one another, making it highly effective for wearable robots that require multiple degrees of freedom.

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Key Features:

• An enclosure made of variable material designed to house a layer stack inside
• A layer stack consisting of multiple layers inside the enclosure, with stiffness varied through jamming
• A structure where each layer in the stack is configured to slide and rotate relative to one another
• Connecting layers provided on the top and bottom surfaces of adjacent layer stacks, linked by strings

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Engineering Specialized Graduate School Support Program (Plant Engineering), the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Bionic Hand Mechanism Development project, and the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Human-Centered Soft Robotics Technology Research Center.