A Variable-Stiffness Straight-Line Compliant Mechanism

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Hawks ◽  
Mark B. Colton ◽  
Larry L. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Force Feedback ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Effective Length ◽  
Haptic Interface ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Straight Line Mechanism ◽  
Force Displacement

In this research a variable-stiffness compliant mechanism was developed to generate variable force-displacement profiles at the mechanism’s coupler point. The mechanism is based on a compliant Robert’s straight-line mechanism, and the stiffness is varied by changing the effective length of the compliant links with an actuated slider. The force-deflection behavior of the mechanism was analyzed using the Pseudo-Rigid Body Model (PRBM), and two key parameters, KΘ and γ, were optimized using finite element analysis (FEA) to match the model with the measured behavior of the mechanism. The variable-stiffness mechanism was used in a one-degree-of-freedom haptic interface (force-feedback device) to demonstrate the effectiveness of varying the stiffness of a compliant mechanism. Unlike traditional haptic interfaces, in which the force is controlled using motors and rigid links, the haptic interface developed in this work displays haptic stiffness via the variable-stiffness compliant mechanism. One of the key features of the mechanism is that the inherent return-to-zero behavior of the compliant mechanism was used to provide the stiffness feedback felt by the user. A prototype haptic interface was developed capable of simulating the force-displacement profile of Lachman’s Test performed on an injured ACL knee. The compliant haptic interface was capable of displaying stiffnesses between 4200 N/m and 7200 N/m.

Design of a New Fully Compliant Translational Joint via Straight-Line Motion Mechanism Based Method

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia C. García ◽  
Juan A. Gallego-Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Symmetry Axis ◽  
Initial Position ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Motion Mechanism ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Translational Joint ◽  
Force Displacement

Abstract A Compliant Translational Joint (CTJ) is designed via Straight-Line Motion Mechanism Method. The designed CTJ is based on the Pseudo-Rigid-Body-Model (PRBM) of a modified Scott-Russell Mechanism. The precision of the straight-line motion of the rigid-body mechanism adjusts to a straight-line to a 99.6% while the compliant version adjusts to a 99.9%. The novelty of the design is given by the way the CTJ is designed, the performance of the CTJ is achieved by mirroring the mechanism about an axis tangent to the path of the mechanism and that passes through the initial position of the coupler point at the symmetry axis of the path. The CTJ motion is predicted by the PRBM. The force-displacement relations and the frequency modes of the CTJ are analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA).

A Novel Fully Compliant Planar Linear-Motion Mechanism

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal B. Hubbard ◽  
Jonathan W. Wittwer ◽  
John A. Kennedy ◽  
Daniel L. Wilcox ◽  
Larry L. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Linear Motion ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Single Plane ◽  
Motion Mechanism ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Structural Error ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
In Series ◽  
Force Displacement

A new fully compliant linear-motion mechanism, called the XBob, is presented. The mechanism is based on the pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) of a system of Roberts approximate straight-line mechanisms combined in series and parallel. It can be fabricated in a single plane and has a linear force-displacement relationship. Symmetry and compliance compensate for the structural error inherent in the Roberts mechanism, resulting in precise straight-line motion. The device is designed and its motion and force-displacement relations are predicted by the PRBM. The design is validated using finite element analysis and experimental results.

Design of a Single-Acting Constant-Force Actuator Based on Dielectric Elastomers

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Berselli ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
Gabriele Vassura ◽  
Vincenzo Parenti Castelli
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Supporting Frame

The interest in actuators based on dielectric elastomer films as a promising technology in robotic and mechatronic applications is increasing. The overall actuator performances are influenced by the design of both the active film and the film supporting frame. This paper presents a single-acting actuator which is capable of supplying a constant force over a given range of motion. The actuator is obtained by coupling a rectangular film of silicone dielectric elastomer with a monolithic frame designed to suitably modify the force generated by the dielectric elastomer film. The frame is a fully compliant mechanism whose main structural parameters are calculated using a pseudo-rigid-body model and then verified by finite element analysis. Simulations show promising performance of the proposed actuator.

Large Stroke Series Compliant Mechanism

2012 ◽  
Vol 490-495 ◽  
pp. 1104-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Cai Shan ◽  
Wei Ming Wang ◽  
Shu Yuan Ma ◽  
Shuang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Maximum Stress ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Flexure Hinges ◽  
Body Model ◽  
System A ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
The Difference

To increase the stroke of precision positioning system, a novel series compliant mechanism is presented which is based on elliptical flexure hinges. Pseudo-rigid-body model and energy method are applied to establish the theoretical model of stiffness and maximum stress, which are critical parameters for the large stroke compliant mechanism. The relationships are analyzed between geometric parameters of the series complaint mechanism, stiffness and maximum stress. According that, the series compliant mechanism is designed with the stroke more than 5mm and stiffness less than 3.2N/mm. The difference is less than 5% between the results of finite element analysis and theoretical model computation, which proves the correctness of the application design.

scholarly journals Design and Validation of a Single-SOI-Wafer 4-DOF Crawling Microgripper

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Verotti ◽  
Alvise Bagolini ◽  
Pierluigi Bellutti ◽  
Nicola Pio Belfiore
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Silicon On Insulator ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Deep Reactive Ion Etching ◽  
Theoretical Simulation ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Replacement Method ◽  
Rigid Body Model

This paper deals with the manipulation of micro-objects operated by a new concept multi-hinge multi-DoF (degree of freedom) microsystem. The system is composed of a planar 3-DoF microstage and of a set of one-DoF microgrippers, and it is arranged is such a way as to allow any microgripper to crawl over the stage. As a result, the optimal configuration to grasp the micro-object can be reached. Classical algorithms of kinematic analysis have been used to study the rigid-body model of the mobile platform. Then, the rigid-body replacement method has been implemented to design the corresponding compliant mechanism, whose geometry can be transferred onto the etch mask. Deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) is suggested to fabricate the whole system. The main contributions of this investigation consist of (i) the achievement of a relative motion between the supporting platform and the microgrippers, and of (ii) the design of a process flow for the simultaneous fabrication of the stage and the microgrippers, starting from a single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. Functionality is validated via theoretical simulation and finite element analysis, whereas fabrication feasibility is granted by preliminary tests performed on some parts of the microsystem.

Design of a Continuum Mechanism that Matches the Movement of an Eight-bar Linkage

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Xueao Liu ◽  
J. Michael McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Rigid Body ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Initial Structure ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Kinematic Synthesis ◽  
Generic Structure ◽  
Straight Line

Abstract This paper presents a design methodology for mechanisms consisting of a single continuous structure, continuum mechanisms, that blends the kinematic synthesis of rigid-body mechanisms with topology optimization for compliant mechanisms. Rather than start with a generic structure that is shaped to achieve a required force deflection task for a compliant mechanism, our approach shapes the initial structure based on kinematic synthesis of a rigid body mechanism for the required movement, then the structure is shaped using Finite Element Analysis to achieve the required force deflection relationship. The result of this approach is a continuum mechanism with the same workpiece movement as the rigid link mechanism when actuated. An example illustrates the design process to obtain an eight-bar linkage that guides its workpiece in straight-line rectilinear movement. We show that the resulting continuum mechanism provides the desired rectilinear movement. A 210 mm physical model machined from Nylon-6 is shown to achieve 21.5mm rectilinear movement with no perceived deviation from a straight-line.

Design and development of a new large-stroke XY compliant micropositioning stage

2016 ◽  
Vol 231 (17) ◽  
pp. 3263-3276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sicong Wan ◽  
Yulong Zhang ◽  
Qingsong Xu
Keyword(s):  
Control Algorithm ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Proportional Integral Derivative ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Parallel Kinematic ◽  
Proportional Integral Derivative Control ◽  
And Control

This paper presents the design and development of a new flexure-based compliant XY micropositioning stage with large stroke. The parallel-kinematic XY compliant stage is designed based on the Roberts mechanisms. Pseudo-rigid-body model is developed to establish the quantitative models of the whole compliant mechanism. Finite element analysis is carried out to validate the performance of the XY stage. A prototype of the XY stage is developed for experimental investigations. Experimental results show that the stage can deliver a working range larger than 12 mm in each of the two working axes. Moreover, a feedback control using the proportional–integral–derivative control algorithm is implemented to demonstrate the positioning performance of the developed XY stage. The reported ideas can also be extended to the design and control of other micro-/nanopositioning systems.

Passive Discrete Variable Stiffness Joint (pDVSJ-II): Modeling, Design, Characterization, and Testing Toward Passive Haptic Interface

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad I. Awad ◽  
Irfan Hussain ◽  
Dongming Gan ◽  
Ali Az-zu'bi ◽  
Cesare Stefanini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Effective Length ◽  
Haptic Interface ◽  
Discrete Variable ◽  
Low Energy Consumption ◽  
Instantaneous Switching ◽  
Different Levels

In this paper, the modeling, design, and characterization of the passive discrete variable stiffness joint (pDVSJ-II) are presented. The pDVSJ-II is an extended proof of concept of a passive revolute joint with discretely controlled variable stiffness. The key motivation behind this design is the need for instantaneous switching between stiffness levels when applied for remote exploration applications where stiffness mapping is required, in addition for the need of low-energy consumption. The novelty of this work lies in the topology used to alter the stiffness of the variable stiffness joint. Altering the stiffness is achieved by selecting the effective length of an elastic cord with hook's springs. This is realized through the novel design of the cord grounding unit (CGU), which is responsible for creating a new grounding point, thus changing the effective length and the involved springs. The main features of CGU are the fast response and the low-energy consumption. Two different levels of stiffness (low, high) can be discretely selected besides the zero stiffness. The proposed physical-based model matched the experimental results of the pDVSJ-II in terms of discrete stiffness variation curves, and the stiffness dependency on the behavior of the springs. Two psychophysiological tests were conducted to validate the capabilities to simulate different levels of stiffness on human user and the results showed high relative accuracy. Furthermore, a qualitative experiment in a teleoperation scenario is presented as a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed haptic interface.

Force-Displacement Model of the FlexSuRe™ Spinal Implant

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Stratton ◽  
Larry Howell ◽  
Anton Bowden
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Virtual Work ◽  
Implant Design ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Spinal Implant ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Displacement Model ◽  
Force Displacement

This paper presents modeling of a novel compliant spinal implant designed to reduce back pain and restore function to degenerate spinal disc tissues as well as provide a mechanical environment conducive to healing of the tissues. Modeling was done through the use of the pseudo-rigid-body model. The pseudo-rigid-body model is a 3 DOF mechanism for flexion-extension (forward-backward bending) and a 5 DOF mechanism for lateral bending (side-to-side). These models were analyzed using the principle of virtual work to obtain the force-deflection response of the device. The model showed good correlation to finite element analysis and experimental results. The implant may be particularly useful in the early phases of implant design and when designing for particular biological parameters.

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