Stabilizing Output of an Electrorheological Gel Linear Actuator

ER gel is a relatively new type of functional material. The surface of ER gel has a shear stress characteristic, which increases according to the applied electric field. Introducing the gel into interface elements of a force transmission system realizes functional clutches and brakes. This study aims to develop a linear actuator that is safe, can operate in reverse, and can generate a large force using such a functional clutch. Applying an ER gel clutch in a force transmission system decreases inertia and the mechanical limits of the maximum speed while not limiting controllability. Such properties contribute to a high level of safety. This article reports, in particular, on stabilizing the output of the linear actuator.