Development of ER Clutch for the Walking Support Machine

Walk training is good rehabilitation for old people and handicapped people.Then it is considered the effective measurement for decreasing bedridden people and wheelchair users. In walk training, they frequently use walkers, walking sticks, etc. It is problem that these kinds of support tools are not flexible and mobile because their handicap conditions are different. New support tools are demanded to be intelligent and personalized. We are developing a new walking support machine for old people and handicapped people, because they expect to move easily by themselves. The machine is equipped with two ER devices which compose a elctrorheological fluid clutch (ER clutch) and a motor, and able to work with smooth power assistance or safety breaking. In this paper, we refer a developing concept in the new walking support system, and explain a mechanism and design of the ER devices. In addition, we also report some experimental results, because we have examined on characteristics of the ER devices.