A Review of Pneumatic Piston Type Actuators for Prosthetics

摘要

The gas consumptions of several arrangements of piston type actuators when operating under various loads are calculated. It is shown that a differential area type actuator operating with the piston rod normally in tension is markedly more economical than other arrangements, particularly when operating against uni-directional loads. When operating against bi-directional loads this design still uses less gas than a conventional double-acting actuator. Several recommendations are made on design aspects as a result of the practical implications revealed by these calculations. (Author)