Online force control of a shape-memory-alloy-based 2 degree-of-freedom human finger via inverse model and proportional–integral–derivative compensator

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1538-1548 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Mirzakhani ◽  
SM Ayati ◽  
P Fahimi ◽  
M Baghani

In this work, a model-based controller is developed to track the force at fingertip of an artificial hand. To do so, shape-memory-alloy wires are implemented as an actuator in the finger. Besides, different aspects of modeling, including force relations, kinematics, and heat transfer analysis, are investigated. A modified version of Brinson’s model is used to capture thermomechanical behavior of shape-memory-alloy wires. A controller is designed to control the applied potential difference between shape-memory-alloy wires and consequently control the electrical current in these wires based on the shape-memory-alloy wires model. The main goal of the proposed controller is force controlling of a 2-degree-of-freedom hand finger. This controller contains shape-memory-alloy constitutive model used for compensating system uncertainties. Furthermore, a proportional–integral–derivative controller/compensator is included in the closed-loop system. The compensator acts only on the derivative-type states, and this is one of the differences of this work compared to that of similar literature. The results of three arbitrary reference input signals are reported confirming the model prediction and simulation results are in good agreement with experimental tests. The analysis of the relative tracking error for an arbitrary reference signal is 11% in experimental test and 4% in the simulation.

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (1179) ◽  
pp. 451-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Grigorie ◽  
R. M. Botez ◽  
A. V. Popov ◽  
M. Mamou ◽  
Y. Mébarki

Abstract The paper presents the numerical and experimental validation of a hybrid actuation control concept – fuzzy logic proportional-integral-derivative (PID) plus conventional on-off – for a new morphing wing mechanism, using smart materials made of shape memory alloy (SMA) as actuators. After a presentation of the hybrid controller architecture that was adopted in the Part 1, this paper focuses on its implementation, simulation and validation. The PID on-off controller was numerically and experimentally implemented using the Matlab/Simulink software. Following preliminary numerical simulations which were conducted to tune the controller, an experimental validation was performed. To implement the controller on the physical model, two programmable switching power supplies (AMREL SPS100-33) and a Quanser Q8 data acquisition card were used. The data acquisition inputs were two signals from linear variable differential transformer potentiometers, indicating the positions of the actuators, and six signals from thermocouples installed on the SMA wires. The acquisition board’s output channels were used to control power supplies in order to obtain the desired skin deflections. The experimental validation utilised an experimental bench test in laboratory conditions in the absence of aerodynamic forces, and a wind-tunnel test for different actuation commands. Simultaneously, the optimised aerofoils were experimentally validated with the theoretically-determined aerofoils obtained earlier. Both the transition point real time position detection and visualisation were realised in wind tunnel tests.


Author(s):  
Hussein F. M. Ali ◽  
Youngshik Kim

Abstract In this paper, we developed two degree of freedom shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator using SMA springs. This module can be applied easily to various applications: device holder, artificial finger, grippes, fish robot, and many other biologically inspired applications, where small size and small wight of the actuator are very critical. This actuator is composed of two sets of SMA springs: one set is for the rotation around the X axis (roll angle) and the other set is for the rotation around the Y axis (pitch angle). Each set contains two elements: one SMA spring and one antagonistic SMA spring. We used an inertia sensor (IMU) and two potentiometers for angles feedback. The SMA actuator system is modeled mathematically and then tested experimentally in open-loop and closed-loop control. We designed and experimentally tuned a proportional integrator derivative (PID) controller to follow the set points and to track the desired trajectories. The main goal of the presented controller is to control roll and pitch angles simultaneously in order to satisfy set points and trajectories within the work space. The experimental results show that the two degree of freedom SMA actuator system follows the desired setpoints with acceptable rise time and overshoot.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (16) ◽  
pp. 1920-1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Liang ◽  
Yongquan Wang ◽  
Tao Yao ◽  
Botao Zhu

This article presents a soft crawling robot prototype with a simple architecture inspired by inchworms. The robot functionally integrates the torso (body) and feet in a monolithic curved structure that only needs a single shape memory alloy coil and differential friction to actuate it. A novel foot configuration is proposed, which makes the two feet, with an anti-symmetrical friction layout, can be alternately anchored, to match the contraction–recovery sequence of the body adaptively. Based on the antagonistic configuration between the shape memory alloy actuator and the elastic body, a vertically auxiliary spring was adopted to enhance the interaction mechanism. Force and kinematic analysis was undertaken, focusing on the parametric design of the special foot configuration. A miniature robot prototype was then 3D-printed (54 mm in length and 9.77 g in weight), using tailored thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as the body material. A series of experimental tests and evaluations were carried out to assess its performance under different conditions. The results demonstrated that under appropriate actuation conditions, the compact robot prototype could accomplish a relative speed of 0.024 BL/s (with a stride length equivalent to 27% of its body length) and bear a load over five times to its own weight.


Machines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Maffiodo ◽  
Terenziano Raparelli

To meet the needs of present-day robotics, a family of gripping flexible fingers has been designed. Each of them consists of a number of independent and flexible modules that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module consists of a body with a flexible central rod and three longitudinally positioned shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. When heated by the Joule effect, one to two SMA wires shorten, allowing the module to bend. The return to undeformed conditions is achieved in calm air and is guaranteed by the elastic bias force exerted by the central rod. This article presents the basic concept of the module and a simple mathematical model for the design of the device. Experimental tests were carried out on three prototypes with bodies made of different materials. The results of these tests confirm the need to reduce the antagonistic action of the inactive SMA wires and led to the realization of a fourth prototype equipped with an additional SMA wire-driven locking/unlocking device for these wires. The preliminary results of this last prototype are encouraging.


Author(s):  
Michael J. Toth ◽  
Colby F. Lewallen ◽  
Joseph C. Hanson ◽  
Shenghai Wang ◽  
William Singhose

It is difficult for crane operators to lift and maneuver payloads without causing significant, uncontrolled motion. Consequently, research in the area of crane operation has focused on designing controllers to minimize payload swing. However, lifting long and slender payloads (e.g., steel I-beams) from a non-level surface (e.g., like many outdoor construction sites) has not been addressed in much detail. This paper evaluates the amplitude of residual swing and robustness of two different control methodologies while hoisting a slender payload up into the air from an inclined surface. A semi-automatic approach, where the crane operator controls the lift direction and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller adjusts the overhead trolley position, was developed. Experimental tests demonstrate that this method reduces the peak amplitude of residual vibration by about 80% for most non-zero incline angles.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1006-1007 ◽  
pp. 223-226
Author(s):  
Zhen Lan ◽  
Shao Jie Jiang

Currently, there is an absence of underwater monitoring device in marine ranching area. the traditional submersible generally use screw propeller as its power equipment, but it lacked the rapid response, short turning radius and so on. Recently some bionic propulsion methods have emerged, which partly solved the problems above but still fail to meet the demanded properties. We used shape memory alloy combined with the design of robot fin to increase the flexibility, add the degree of freedom and higher the efficiency of the biomimetic flexible fish fin propeller.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2576
Author(s):  
Alfonso Gómez-Espinosa ◽  
Roberto Castro Sundin ◽  
Ion Loidi Eguren ◽  
Enrique Cuan-Urquizo ◽  
Cecilia D. Treviño-Quintanilla

New actuators and materials are constantly incorporated into industrial processes, and additional challenges are posed by their complex behavior. Nonlinear hysteresis is commonly found in shape memory alloys, and the inclusion of a suitable hysteresis model in the control system allows the controller to achieve a better performance, although a major drawback is that each system responds in a unique way. In this work, a neural network direct control, with online learning, is developed for position control of shape memory alloy manipulators. Neural network weight coefficients are updated online by using the actuator position data while the controller is applied to the system, without previous training of the neural network weights, nor the inclusion of a hysteresis model. A real-time, low computational cost control system was implemented; experimental evaluation was performed on a 1-DOF manipulator system actuated by a shape memory alloy wire. Test results verified the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme to control the system angular position, compensating for the hysteretic behavior of the shape memory alloy actuator. Using a learning algorithm with a sine wave as reference signal, a maximum static error of 0.83° was achieved when validated against several set-points within the possible range.


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