Design, fabrication and experiment of soft fingers with double-chamber based on layer jamming

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a casting process for the production of double-chamber soft fingers, which avoids the problems of air leakage and fracture caused by multistep casting. This proposed method facilitates the simultaneous casting of the inflation chamber and the jamming chamber.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated molding technology based on the lost wax casting method is proposed for the manufacture of double-chamber soft fingers. The solid wax core is assembled with the mold, and then liquid silicone rubber is injected into it. After cooling and solidification, the mold is stripped off and heated in boiling water, so that the solid wax core melts and precipitates, and the integrated soft finger is obtained.

Findings

The performance and fatigue tests of the soft fingers produced by the proposed method have been carried out. The results show that the manufacturing method can significantly improve the fatigue resistance and stability of the soft fingers, while also avoiding the problems such as air leakage and cracking.

Originality/value

The improvement of the previous multistep casting method of soft fingers is proposed, and the integrated molding manufacturing method is proposed to avoid the problems caused by secondary bonding.

Citation

Li, M., Yin, Z., Huang, X., Ma, J. and Liu, Z. (2024), "Design, fabrication and experiment of soft fingers with double-chamber based on layer jamming", Robotic Intelligence and Automation, Vol. 44 No. 3, pp. 461-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/RIA-11-2023-0160