Hydraulic Muscles

(Work in Progress)

Project Date: December 2021

Background/Motivation

My ROTC friends were having a weight lifting competition and asked me if I wanted to join. I agreed since they never told me I wasn't allowed to use artificial muscles to improve my performance.

Design Process

I created a hydraulic muscle by inserting a piece of silicone tubing into a mesh, attaching one end to a water pump, and attaching a solenoid valve to the other end to act as a tension/pressure release. The silicone tubing contracts as it is subject to more pressure.

Results

Left: 8lb test, Right: 30 lb test