Novel Integrated Fluid-Power Actuators for Functional End-Use Components and Systems via Selective Laser Sintering Nylon 12

Abstract

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and the Additive Manufacturing (AM) community have an interest in expanding applications of AM and broadening market opportunities. Specific areas of interest include robotics and fully functional components/systems. MSOE has developed methods for streamlining the development and implementation of functional fluid power components/systems, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) robotic surgery systems, rescue robotics, and customized form-fit orthotic and prosthetic devices, all of which have a high power-density and high efficiency with the use of fluid power. MSOE has defined several of these components and devices as solid state actuators (SSA) (single, multi-functional components made of diaphragms, bellows, springs etc.) or solid state actuator systems (SSAS). Prior work has already been done on integrated systems for robotic prototypes to help determine and improve workspaces, thus allowing designers to make practical design changes at a low cost. Implementing AM fluid power devices in industry has also been done, where applications largely include human-machine interaction and biomimetic or continuum robotics. However, most devices are made up of numerous components in assemblies. MSOE has made it possible for mechanisms to be fully functional as built and as a single entity. The implementation and development of SSAs and SSASs are discussed along with practical design considerations of integrated functional fluid power components.