Pneumatically driven compliant structures based on the multi-arc principle for the use in adaptive support devices

Adaptive support devices for bedded patients must allow a special relief for pressure reduction of compressed skin areas but also a suitable stimulation. Therefore, pneumatically driven compliant mechanisms offer great potential to influence the deformation behavior by geometrical design and/or material choice. This contribution deals with the FEM-based and experimental investigation and development of a compliant fluid actuator realizing a large stroke. Therefore, a multi-arched structure consisting of silicone is used. Moreover, the advantages of an additional position measurement based on electrically conductive foams, a mechanical adaptive patient contact and an adjustable stiffness of the flexible mechatronic system are described. Index Terms Fluid driven actuators, compliant mechanisms, silicone structures, multi-arc principle, support devices