The invention concerns an advanced mechanical transmission system for prosthetic and robotic applications, etc. The patent consists of a Bowden cable made of tendon-mimetic material (shape memory metal alloy) with integrated sensors for more precise and safe movements.
| Patent title | High efficiency self-limiting tendon-mimetic Bowden cable with feedback control |
|---|---|
| Thematic area | Industry, Digital and Security |
| Ownership | ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA' DI BOLOGNA |
| Inventors | Gregorio Pisaneschi |
| Protection | Italy, with the possibility of international extension |
| Licensing status | Available for development agreements, option, license and other exploitation agreements |
| Keywords | Bowden-cable, High-efficiency, tendon-mimetic, self-limiting, sensorized |
| Filed on | 24 July 2024 |
The devices described in the literature require additional functions; in addition to the transmission of force via a Bowden cable, there are systems for overload protection and to prevent damage to the control systems during remote operations. These technologies all require an additional sensor for force control or an additional overload protection device to be integrated.
The proposed device has an intrinsic overload control function and an intrinsic soft behavior, which does not require any additional control. Furthermore, to monitor the operation and control the system with a feedback signal, the creation of the sensor requires only the integration of the electronic part, the superelastic wire itself being used as a sensor, and furthermore the mechanical transmission is much more efficient than normal Bowden cables.
APPLICATIONS
- All sectors requiring a more precise and controlled mechanical transmission via Bowden cable and especially a “soft” and safer actuation.
- Possible applications in the automotive, robotics, prosthetics and biomedical sectors
ADVANTAGES
- Precision of movement
- Soft actuation
- Increased safety
- Longer life
- Stainless