How to power-up an "Iron Man" metal suit? 2

[LaloGarcia91]

So, basically. Since I have my own place/office, tools, machines and everything I need. I've been working on a metal suit just for fun, as a hobby. Based on the Iron Man superhero. and I want it as my halloween costume this year. My idea is to build it gorgeous, I'm on that atm. It won't be something ugly and cheap, trust me.

So my question is, how can I make it move with my inside? I'm not planning on making it fly, don't worry, that's impossible. But what kind of system/power should I use to turn it on with me inside the suit? I just want to walk, move my arms and torso, lift my knees relatively freely and bend over to grab whatever. And of course, be able to grab a drink.

I already took care of the rest, like how to rotate my hand/wrist and stuff.. that to basic I don't need any kind of system. So what do you think? I was thinking on hydraulic systems, using the back and the front of the suit to hide and cover it.

The suit as a whole, might weight around 200-250 lbs of stainless steel. I just need to power-up the suit.



Thanks.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Study suits of armor, and the 'JIM' diving suit.

Take an assistant with you who can help you get up when you fall.

DO NOT add hydraulic power to such a suit; there are too many ways for it go very, very, wrong.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[LaloGarcia91]

@MikeHalloran Thanks for the answer.. Although, I'll take a very close look to the JIM suit you're telling me about, plus, in your opinion and knowledge what do you think I should use to power-up the suit. I thought hydraulic systems were the best way to go.

 

[Compositepro]

Do as Mike suggests and forget about powering the suit. Once you add any power to the suit the weight will go way up and the project will get very complicated and expensive before you can get anywhere close to the power and mobility of an unpowered suit of armor. Even the Department of Defense has not gotten very far yet in this area of development. It is not for lack of trying.

 

[chicopee]

Medieval armors should give you a good sense about your project. There are museums in this country and Europe where there are tons of such equipment.

 

[BUGGAR]

Put a lawnmower motor on a backpack that powers an automotive power steering pump. Use an automotive power steering gear on each of your joints to move them. Hook your arms, hands, or whatever to the control valve that powers the steering gear that powers that motion.

 

[natepiercy]

I'm with Mike. Adding hydraulics to a giant metal cage (with you inside) can turn your Halloween into a SAW movie in no time.