In applications requiring simultaneous rotation about two orthogonal axes it is normal practice to employ some form of gimbal structure. An alternative solution is presented whereby the motion is obtained by a self contained two-axis hydraulic actuator. The design, analysis and manufacture of the device is discussed. Preliminary experimental tests have shown that the basic design of the device is sound. Some possible fields of application are suggested.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
MayerE.Mechanical Seals1969 (Iliffe, London).
2.
BurrowsC.R.Fluid Power Servomechanisms1972 (Van Nostrand Rheinhold, London).
3.
StevensonD.A.LippayA.L.“Hydraulic powered arm systems”Proc. Inst. Mech. Engrs.1968–69, 183, Pt. 3J pp 37–44.
4.
DaviesB.L.‘A prototype portable hydraulic power supply for prosthetic applications’ Instn. Mech. Engrs. Conf. on Human Locomotor Engineering, 1971, pp 285–296.
5.
LivingstoneS.M.CrecraftD.I.‘Design of an artificial elbow: an electro mechanical solution’Proc. Instn. Mech. Engrs.1968–69, 183, Pt. 3J, pp 32–36.
6.
British Patent Specification No. 980,044.‘Improvements in and relating to manipulators’, January 1961.