scholarly journals Structural optimization of a new type of lever-assisted gear reducer based on a genetic algorithm

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-343
Author(s):  
Lei Guo ◽  
Zeyu Wang ◽  
Yuan Song ◽  
Xianjie Shan ◽  
Dongming Gan
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Gear Train ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Drive Mechanism ◽  
Input Shaft ◽  
Physical Prototype ◽  
Robotic Joints

Abstract. Gear reducers are critical for speed and torque transmissions between motors and manipulators. With the development of robotic research, many new requirements, such as low speed and heavy load, have been proposed for the design of gear reducers used in the joints. To meet these challenges, here, we present the design of a new gear reducer based on a spherical motion sub-lever drive mechanism. Our lever-based gear reducer can transmit the speed and torque from the input shaft to the output shaft through a fixed-axis gear train transmission, lever transmission, and internal translational gear transmission. Compared with traditional gear reducers, our lever-based reducer has stronger load capacities and is suitable for low-speed and heavy-load scenarios. The design parameters of the lever drive mechanism were optimized via finite element analysis and a genetic algorithm, and the assembly of the lever drive mechanism was further simplified. We found the dimensions of the lever are critical for improving the overall performance of this reducer. In addition, the transmission ability of this reducer was demonstrated by a physical prototype. This reducer will find many applications in robotic joints, cranes, and mine hoists.

A Reconfigurable Variable-Stiffness Parallel Beam for Compliant Robotic Mechanisms Towards Safe Human Interaction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaming Fu ◽  
Dongming Gan
Keyword(s):  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Parallel Beam ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hollow Beam ◽  
Robotic Joints ◽  
Variable Compliance

Abstract To co-work with humans, robotic mechanisms need to have variable stiffness with high rigidity for performance and low compliance for safe interactions. This paper introduces a reconfigurable variable-stiffness parallel beam (VSPB) which can be used in both robotic joints and links for variable compliance. The VSPB is a compliant cantilever mechanism with hollow parallel beams in the middle and solid connections at both ends. Stiffness adjusting can be realized by changing the cross-sectional area property of the hollow beam segment discretely through a bistable mechanism block or continuously by the block sliding. Detailed stiffness models of the two VSPB stiffness modes with the block on and off are derived using the approach of serially connected beam modeling and superposition combination. The developed model not only works for thin-walled flexure beams but also general thick beam models. The stiffness change relationship with various design parameters is investigated using the developed model and validated by finite element analysis (FEA) results. The correlation between parameters and errors between FEA and theoretical values is observed and analyzed to optimize the model. These methods and results provide a new concept and theoretical basis for developing new variable stiffness robotic mechanisms towards safe human-robot interaction applications.

Reliability Analysis and Design of Epicyclic Gear Trains

1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 625-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Structural Reliability ◽  
Design Criterion ◽  
Gear Train ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Input Shaft ◽  
Reliability Based Design ◽  
Epicyclic Gear ◽  
Gear Trains

The concepts of system reliability are applied for the structural reliability analysis and design of epicyclic gear trains. The reliability analysis is based on the representation of an epicyclic gear train as a series-parallel network. The power transmitted, the speed of the input shaft, the center distance between the gear pairs and the permissible stresses are assumed to be random variables following normal distribution. The layout of the gears and the speed ratios are assumed to be known. The face widths of the gears are taken as random design parameters. The design criterion is that the reliability of the gear train either in bending or surface wear failure mode at any of the output speeds must be equal to a specified value. The design of an epicyclic transmission system which gives four forward speeds and one reverse speed is considered for illustration. The results of the reliability-based design of the gear train are compared with those of the conventional deterministic design.

A Simplified Design Model for Modular Steel Buildings Subject to Vapor Cloud Explosions (VCEs)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Bedair
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Response ◽  
Minimum Cost ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Front Wall ◽  
Steel Buildings ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Vapor Cloud ◽  
Building Components ◽  
Analytical Expressions

Background: Modular steel buildings (MSB) are extensively used in petrochemical plants and refineries. Limited guidelines are available in the industry for analysis and design of (MSB) subject to accidental vapor cloud explosions (VCEs). Objectives: The paper presents simplified engineering model for modular steel buildings (MSB) subject to accidental vapor cloud explosions (VCEs) that are extensively used in petrochemical plants and refineries. Method: A Single degree of freedom (SDOF) dynamic model is utilized to simulate the dynamic response of primary building components. Analytical expressions are then provided to compute the dynamic load factors (DLF) for critical building elements. Recommended foundation systems are also proposed to install the modular building with minimum cost. Results: Numerical results are presented to illustrate the dynamic response of (MSB) subject to blast loading. It is shown that (DLF)=1.6 is attained at (td/t)=0.4 for front wall (W1) with (td/T)=1.25. For side walls (DLF)=1.41 and is attained at (td/t)=0.6. Conclusions: The paper presented simplified tools for analysis and design of (MSB) subject accidental vapor cloud blast explosions (VCEs). The analytical expressions can be utilized by practitioners to compute the (MSB) response and identify the design parameters. They are simple to use compared to Finite Element Analysis.

scholarly journals Accuracy Improvement of Stator Inductance Identification Method Based on Low-Frequency Current Injection for Three-Level NPC Inverter-Fed IM Drives in Locked-Rotor Standstill Condition

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 488
Author(s):  
Yerganat Khojakhan ◽  
Kyoung-Min Choo ◽  
Junsin Yi ◽  
Chung-Yuen Won
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Current Injection ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Injection Test ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Injection Speed ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Identification Method ◽  
Drive Systems

In this paper, a stator inductance identification process is proposed. The process is based on a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter-fed induction motor (IM) drive with a standstill condition. Previously, a low-speed alternating current (AC) injection test for stator inductance identification was proposed to overcome practical problems in conventional identification methods for three-level NPC inverter-based IM drives. However, the low-speed AC injection test-based identification method has some problems if a heavy load or mechanical brake is connected, as these can forcibly bring the rotor to a standstill during parameter identification. Since this low-speed testing-based identification assumes the motor torque is considerably lower in low-speed operations, some inaccuracy is inevitable in this kind of standstill condition. In this paper, the proposed current injection speed generator is based on the previously studied low-speed test-based stator inductance identification method, but the proposed approach gives more accurate estimates under the aforementioned standstill conditions. The proposed method regulates the speed for sinusoidal low-frequency AC injection on the basis of the instantaneous reactive and air-gap active power ratio. This proposed stator inductance identification method is more accurate than conventional fixed low-frequency AC signal injection identification method for three-level NPC inverter-fed IM drive systems with a locked-rotor standstill condition. The proposed method’s accuracy and reliability were verified by simulation and experiment using an 18.5 kW induction motor.

scholarly journals Optimization of Air Gap Length and Capacitive Auxiliary Winding in Three-Phase Induction Motors Based on a Genetic Algorithm

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4407
Author(s):  
Mbika Muteba
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Power Factor ◽  
High Speed ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Air Gap ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
High Torque ◽  
Cage Induction Motor

There is a necessity to design a three-phase squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) for high-speed applications with a larger air gap length in order to limit the distortion of air gap flux density, the thermal expansion of stator and rotor teeth, centrifugal forces, and the magnetic pull. To that effect, a larger air gap length lowers the power factor, efficiency, and torque density of a three-phase SCIM. This should inform motor design engineers to take special care during the design process of a three-phase SCIM by selecting an air gap length that will provide optimal performance. This paper presents an approach that would assist with the selection of an optimal air gap length (OAL) and optimal capacitive auxiliary stator winding (OCASW) configuration for a high torque per ampere (TPA) three-phase SCIM. A genetic algorithm (GA) assisted by finite element analysis (FEA) is used in the design process to determine the OAL and OCASW required to obtain a high torque per ampere without compromising the merit of achieving an excellent power factor and high efficiency for a three-phase SCIM. The performance of the optimized three-phase SCIM is compared to unoptimized machines. The results obtained from FEA are validated through experimental measurements. Owing to the penalty functions related to the value of objective and constraint functions introduced in the genetic algorithm model, both the FEA and experimental results provide evidence that an enhanced torque per ampere three-phase SCIM can be realized for a large OAL and OCASW with high efficiency and an excellent power factor in different working conditions.

scholarly journals Multi-Stage Cold Forging Process for Manufacturing a High-Strength One-Body Input Shaft

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
A Jo ◽  
Myeong Jeong ◽  
Sang Lee ◽  
Young Moon ◽  
Sun Hwang
Keyword(s):  
High Strength ◽  
Microstructural Characterization ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Machining Process ◽  
Cold Forging ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Forging Process ◽  
Input Shaft ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
The One

A multi-stage cold forging process was developed and complemented with finite element analysis (FEA) to manufacture a high-strength one-body input shaft with a long length body and no separate parts. FEA showed that the one-body input shaft was manufactured without any defects or fractures. Experiments, such as tensile, hardness, torsion, and fatigue tests, and microstructural characterization, were performed to compare the properties of the input shaft produced by the proposed method with those produced using the machining process. The ultimate tensile strength showed a 50% increase and the torque showed a 100 Nm increase, confirming that the input shaft manufactured using the proposed process is superior to that processed using the machining process. Thus, this study provides a proof-of-concept for the design and development of a multi-stage cold forging process to manufacture a one-body input shaft with improved mechanical properties and material recovery rate.

Analysis of a Tubular Linear Permanent Magnet Motor for Reciprocating Compressor Applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 448-453 ◽  
pp. 2114-2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izzeldin Idris Abdalla ◽  
Taib Ibrahim ◽  
Nursyarizal Mohd Nor
Keyword(s):  
Permanent Magnet ◽  
Permanent Magnets ◽  
Outer Radius ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Reciprocating Compressor ◽  
Permanent Magnet Motors ◽  
Permanent Magnet Motor ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Split Ratio ◽  
Single Coil

This paper describes a design optimization to achieve optimal performance of a two novel single-phase short-stroke tubular linear permanent magnet motors (TLPMMs) with rectangular and trapezoidal permanent magnets (PMs) structures. The motors equipped with a quasi-Halbach magnetized moving-magnet armature and slotted stator with a single-slot carrying a single coil. The motors have been developed for reciprocating compressor applications such as household refrigerators. It is observed that the TLPMM efficiency can be optimized with respect to the leading design parameters (dimensional ratios). Furthermore, the influence of mover back iron is investigated and the loss of the motor is computed. Finite element analysis (FEA) is employed for the optimization, and the optimal values of the ratio of the axial length of the radially magnetized magnets to the pole pitch as well as the ratio of the PMs outer radius-to-stator outer radius (split ratio), are identified.

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