APPARATUS FOR ACTUATING ORTHOSIS EXOSKELETON USING IONIC POLYMER METAL COMPOSITE ACTUATOR, AND ORTHOSIS EXOSKELETON USING SAME

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for actuating an orthosis exoskeleton using an ionic polymer metal composite actuator. The apparatus includes: a first actuator which is made of an ionic polymer metal composite, and generates actuating power in a finger-moving direction in response to an actuating signal input from the outside; a connecting unit which is worn on a finger and supports the first actuator so as to connect the finger to the first actuator; and a fixing unit which has a cross section in a shape of a rectangular frame, fixes the first actuator, and transfers the actuating signal to the first actuator. A flexibility corresponding to the movement of joints of a hand can be ensured and light weight and small size can be achieved by using the ionic polymer metal composite as the actuator. Therefore the apparatus can be worn on a hand like a glove and provide sufficient actuating power, thereby supporting a motor function of the hand.;COPYRIGHT KIPO 2016