Actuators

35 pages, 8430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Static and Dynamic Characterization and Control of a High-Performance Electro-Hydraulic Actuator

by Govind N. Sahu, Suyash Singh, Aditya Singh and Mohit Law

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020046 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 10499

This paper characterizes the static, dynamic, and controlled behavior of a high-performance electro-hydraulic actuator to assess its suitability for use in evaluating machine tool behavior. The actuator consists of a double-acting piston and cylinder arrangement controlled by a servo valve and a separate [...] Read more.

This paper characterizes the static, dynamic, and controlled behavior of a high-performance electro-hydraulic actuator to assess its suitability for use in evaluating machine tool behavior. The actuator consists of a double-acting piston and cylinder arrangement controlled by a servo valve and a separate rear chamber controlled by a separate valve, designed to work in conjunction to generate static forces of up to 7000 N that can be superposed with dynamic forces of up to ±1500 N. This superposition of periodic forces with a non-zero mean makes the actuator capable of applying realistic loading conditions like those experienced by machines during cutting processes. To characterize the performance of this actuator, linearized static and dynamic models are described. Since experiments with the actuator exhibit nonlinear characteristics, the linearized static model is expanded to include the influence of nonlinearities due to flow, leakages, saturations, and due to friction and hysteresis. Since all major nonlinearities are accounted for in the expanded static model, the dynamical model remains linear. Unknown static and dynamical model parameters are calibrated from experiments, and the updated models are observed to capture experimentally observed behavior very well. Validated models are used to tune the proportional and integral gains for the closed-loop control strategy, and the model-based tuning in turn guides appropriate closed-loop control of the actuator to increase its bandwidth to 200 Hz. The statically and dynamically characterized actuator can aid machine tool structural testing. Moreover, the validated models can instruct the design and development of other higher-performance electro-hydraulic actuators, guide the conversion of the actuator into a damper, and also test other advanced control strategies to further improve actuator performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electro-Hydraulic Actuators)

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14 pages, 1619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feedforward Plus Feedback Control of an Electro-Hydraulic Valve System Using a Proportional Control Valve

by Young-Rae Ko and Tae-Hyoung Kim

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020045 - 15 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5546

Abstract

The output feedback signal of the electro-hydraulic valve system (EHVS) affects the activation of its right or left envelope function; thus, even weak measurement noise can cause high-frequency switching between the two envelope functions, leading to chattering in the control input. Consequently, feedforward [...] Read more.

The output feedback signal of the electro-hydraulic valve system (EHVS) affects the activation of its right or left envelope function; thus, even weak measurement noise can cause high-frequency switching between the two envelope functions, leading to chattering in the control input. Consequently, feedforward and feedback controllers in a cascaded configuration generate undesirable chattering in the output signal. We propose a practical and reliable control approach for an EHVS actuated by a proportional control valve. The proposed controller has a parallel structure comprising an inverse generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii (P–I) model-based feedforward controller, with both hydraulic dead-zone and flow saturation limits, for compensating asymmetric hysteretic behavior. Further, the proposed controller comprises a robust proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback controller for achieving robustness against disturbances and noises. The proposed parallel structure is independent of the output feedback of the EHVS. Moreover, the proposed robust PID feedback controller guarantees EHVS stability by precisely selecting the cutoff frequency for the sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions based on the amplitude spectrum of the inverse-model-based feedforward compensation error. The results verify the high reliability of the proposed EHVS control scheme for the precise control of an EHVS actuated by a proportional control valve in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Techniques for Electrohydraulic Actuators in Aerospace, Civil and Robotics Engineering)

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18 pages, 7668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Styrenic-Rubber Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with Inherent Stiffness Compensation

by Giacomo Moretti, Luca Sarina, Lorenzo Agostini, Rocco Vertechy, Giovanni Berselli and Marco Fontana

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020044 - 05 Jun 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4598

Abstract

Up to date, Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) have been mostly based on either silicone or acrylic elastomers, whereas the potential of DEAs based on inexpensive, wide-spread natural and synthetic rubbers has been scarcely investigated. In this paper, a DEA based on a styrene-based [...] Read more.

Up to date, Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) have been mostly based on either silicone or acrylic elastomers, whereas the potential of DEAs based on inexpensive, wide-spread natural and synthetic rubbers has been scarcely investigated. In this paper, a DEA based on a styrene-based rubber is demonstrated for the first time. Using a Lozenge-Shaped DEA (LS-DEA) layout and following a design procedure previously proposed by the authors, we develop prototypes featuring nearly-zero mechanical stiffness, in spite of the large elastic modulus of styrenic rubber. Stiffness compensation is achieved by simply taking advantage of a biaxial pre-stretching of the rubber DE membrane, with no need for additional stiffness cancellation mechanical elements. In the paper, we present a characterization of the styrene rubber-based LS-DEA in different loading conditions (namely, isopotential, isometric, and isotonic), and we prove that actuation strokes of at least 18% the actuator side length can be achieved, thanks to the proposed stiffness-compensated design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs))

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14 pages, 4338 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Presentation, Modeling and Experiments of an Electrostatic Actuator Based Catom for Programmable Matter

by Romain Catry, Abdenbi Mohand-Ousaid, Micky Rakotondrabe and Philippe Lutz

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020043 - 04 Jun 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4502

Abstract

Nowadays, the concept of programmable matter paves the way for promising applications such as reshaping an object to test different configurations, modeling or rapid prototyping. Based on elementary modules, such matter can be arranged and disassembled easily according to the needs of the [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the concept of programmable matter paves the way for promising applications such as reshaping an object to test different configurations, modeling or rapid prototyping. Based on elementary modules, such matter can be arranged and disassembled easily according to the needs of the designers. Several solutions have been proposed to implement this concept. Most of them are based on modular self-reconfigurable robotics (SMR) that can work together and move relatively to one another in order to change their configuration. Achieving such behavior requires to solve some technological challenges in particular module’s geometry and actuation. In this paper, we build and develop a proof of concept for a catom based on electrostatic actuation. The modeling and analysis of the actuator functioning as catom is given after a comparison of various possible actuation. Simulations as well as experiments validations are afterwards carried out to confirm and demonstrate the efficiency of electrostatic actuation to achieve latching capabilities of the proposed catom. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Miniature and Micro-Actuators)

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17 pages, 10675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on an Electromagnetic Actuator for Vibration Suppression and Energy Regeneration

by Wei Wei, Qiang Li, Fangchao Xu, Xiaoyou Zhang, Junjie Jin, Jiaqi Jin and Feng Sun

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020042 - 22 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5901

Abstract

This paper proposes an electromagnetic actuator that concurrently realizes two working functions of vibration suppression and energy regeneration. The actuator consists of four permanent magnetic rings, three soft iron rings, three coils, and three springs. The design of the electromagnetic actuator is based [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an electromagnetic actuator that concurrently realizes two working functions of vibration suppression and energy regeneration. The actuator consists of four permanent magnetic rings, three soft iron rings, three coils, and three springs. The design of the electromagnetic actuator is based on finite element method (FEM) analysis, and the prototype is based on this analysis. Based on the prototype, the characteristics of the electromagnetic actuator, which has an output force–current coefficient of 39.49 N/A, are explored. A control algorithm with a position controller and an acceleration controller are applied to the actuator. When an impulse excitation is input to the electromagnetic actuator, the acceleration of the controlled object decreases from 114.26 m/s² to 3.14 m/s² here. Moreover, when the sinusoidal excitation with a 3 mm amplitude and 5 Hz frequency is input to the electromagnetic actuator, the vibration amplitude of the controlled object is 0.045 mm, suppressed within 1.46% when compared with the input signal. The peak value of the regenerated electromotive force is 1.97 V here, and the actuator efficiency for regenerating energy is 11.59%. The experimental results with multiple frequencies and amplitudes also show that the amplitude of the controlled object can be suppressed within 5.5%, and that the ratio of the electromotive force (EMF) to the input amplitude is 0.13. The results indicate that this electromagnetic actuator can suppress vibrations effectively and regenerate energy from vibrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Actuators for Manufacturing Systems)

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21 pages, 4665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Novel Latching-Type Electromagnetic Actuator for Applications in Minimally Invasive Surgery

by HaoChen Wang and Ali K. El Wahed

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020041 - 22 May 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4827

Abstract

Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SLS), which utilises one major incision, has become increasingly popular in the healthcare sector in recent years. However, this technique suffers from several problems particularly the inability of current SLS instruments to provide the optimum angulation that is required during [...] Read more.

Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SLS), which utilises one major incision, has become increasingly popular in the healthcare sector in recent years. However, this technique suffers from several problems particularly the inability of current SLS instruments to provide the optimum angulation that is required during SLS operations. In this paper, the development of a novel latching-type electromagnetic actuator is reported, which is aimed to enhance the function of SLS instruments. This new actuator is designed to be embedded at selected joints along SLS instruments to enable the surgeon to transform them from their straight and slender shape to an articulated posture. The developed electromagnetic actuator is comprised of electromagnetic coil elements, a solid magnetic shell, and a permanent magnet used to enhance the magnetic field interaction along the force generation path and also to provide the latching effect. In this investigation, electromagnetic finite element analyses were conducted to design and optimise the actuator’s electromagnetic circuit. In addition, the performance of the new actuator was numerically and experimentally determined when output magnetic forces and torques in excess of 9 N and 45 mNm, respectively together with an angulation of 30° were achieved under a short pulse of current supply to the magnetic circuit of the actuator. Full article

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17 pages, 3950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Behavior of Fully Non-Toxic Polypyrrole-Gelatin and Polypyrrole-PVdF Soft Actuators with Choline Ionic Liquids

by Fred Elhi, Karl Karu, Pille Rinne, Kadi-Anne Nadel, Martin Järvekülg, Alvo Aabloo, Tarmo Tamm, Vladislav Ivaništšev and Kaija Põhako-Esko

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020040 - 21 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3937

Abstract

Smart and soft electroactive polymer actuators as building blocks for soft robotics have many beneficial properties that could make them useful in future biomimetic and biomedical applications. Gelatin—a material exploited for medical applications—can be used to make a fully biologically benign soft electroactive [...] Read more.

Smart and soft electroactive polymer actuators as building blocks for soft robotics have many beneficial properties that could make them useful in future biomimetic and biomedical applications. Gelatin—a material exploited for medical applications—can be used to make a fully biologically benign soft electroactive polymer actuator that provides high performance and has been shown to be harmless. In our study, these polypyrrole-gelatin trilayer actuators with choline acetate and choline isobutyrate showed the highest strain difference and highest efficiency in strain difference to charge density ratios compared to a reference system containing imidazolium-based ionic liquid and a traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) membrane material. As neither the relative ion sizes nor the measured parameters of the ionic liquids could explain their behavior in the actuators, molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations were conducted. Strong cation-cation clustering was found and the radial distribution functions provided further insight into the topic, showing that the cation-cation correlation peak height is a good predictor of strain difference of the actuators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Actuator Materials)

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19 pages, 7351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Energy Analysis of a Load Sensing System and a Zonal Hydraulics for a 9-Tonne Excavator

by Paolo Casoli, Fabio Scolari, Tatiana Minav and Massimo Rundo

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020039 - 20 May 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5444

Abstract

With the rising demand for energy efficiency, displacement-controlled or so-called pump-controlled systems have become an attractive research topic for applications in construction machinery and other off-road vehicles. Pump-controlled systems can be implemented with electro-hydrostatic actuators as electro-hydraulic zones, which are located next to [...] Read more.

With the rising demand for energy efficiency, displacement-controlled or so-called pump-controlled systems have become an attractive research topic for applications in construction machinery and other off-road vehicles. Pump-controlled systems can be implemented with electro-hydrostatic actuators as electro-hydraulic zones, which are located next to the end actuator as a replacement for the traditional valve-controlled hydraulic actuation systems. In this paper a 9-tonne class excavator is utilized as a study case. A mathematical model of the conventional machine, validated with tests carried out on both the excavator and the single hydraulic components, was previously developed within the Simcenter AMESim^© environment. This mathematical model was modified with electric components for simulating a zonal hydraulics excavator and compared with a conventional load sensing (LS) machine. The energy efficiencies of both the LS circuit and the new solution were evaluated for typical duty cycles, pointing out the obtainable energy efficiency improvements, which were mainly due to the absence of the directional valves and pressure compensators. The results also point out the effect of the pipe losses when the circuit layout requires the pipe for connecting the pump with the actuator; moreover, the effect of a diesel engine downsizing on the energy saving was evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electro-Hydraulic Actuators)

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22 pages, 1939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Fidelity Design Optimisation of a Solenoid-Driven Linear Compressor

by Jarl Beckers, Diederik Coppitters, Ward De Paepe, Francesco Contino, Joeri Van Mierlo and Björn Verrelst

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020038 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4472

Abstract

Improved management and impermeability of refrigerants is a leading solution to reverse global warming. Therefore, crank-driven reciprocating refrigerator compressors are gradually replaced by more efficient, oil-free and hermetic linear compressors. However, the design and operation of an electromagnetic actuator, fitted on the compression [...] Read more.

Improved management and impermeability of refrigerants is a leading solution to reverse global warming. Therefore, crank-driven reciprocating refrigerator compressors are gradually replaced by more efficient, oil-free and hermetic linear compressors. However, the design and operation of an electromagnetic actuator, fitted on the compression requirements of a reciprocating linear compressor, received limited attention. Current research mainly focuses on the optimisation of short stroke linear compressors, while long stroke compressors benefit from higher isentropic and volumetric efficiencies. Moreover, designing such a system focuses mainly on the trade-off between number of copper windings and the current required, due to the large computational cost of performing a full geometric design optimisation based on a Finite Element Method. Therefore, in this paper, a computationally-efficient, multi-objective design optimisation for six geometric design parameters has been applied on a solenoid driven linear compressor with a stroke of 44.2 mm. The proposed multi-fidelity optimisation approach takes advantage of established models for actuator optimisation in mechatronic applications, combined with analytical equations established for a solenoid actuator to increase the overall computational efficiency. This paper consists of the multi-fidelity optimisation algorithm, the analytic model and Finite Element Method of a solenoid and the optimised designs obtained for optimised power and copper volume, which dominates the actuator cost. The optimisation results illustrate a trade-off between minimising the peak power and minimising the volume of copper windings. Considering this trade-off, an intermediate design is highlighted, which requires 33.3% less power, at the expense of an increased copper volume by 5.3% as opposed to the design achieving the minimum copper volume. Despite that the effect of the number of windings on the input current remains a dominant design characteristic, adapting the geometric parameters reduces the actuator power requirements significantly as well. Finally, the multi-fidelity optimisation algorithm achieves a 74% reduction in computational cost as opposed to an entire Finite Element Method optimisation. Future work focuses on a similar optimisation approach for a permanent magnet linear actuator. Full article

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19 pages, 5835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Experimental Study of Oil-Cooled Stacked Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator for Servo Valve

by Guoping Liu, Zhongbo He, Guo Bai, Jiawei Zheng, Jingtao Zhou and Bowen Dai

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020037 - 08 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3686

Abstract

Giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) have broad application prospects in the field of servo valves, but the giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) has problems such as large loss and severe heat generation, which affect the output effect and accuracy. To solve these problems, this paper [...] Read more.

Giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) have broad application prospects in the field of servo valves, but the giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) has problems such as large loss and severe heat generation, which affect the output effect and accuracy. To solve these problems, this paper designs a stacked giant magnetostrictive actuator (SGMA) and analyzes the magnetic circuit and magnetic field distribution of the SGMA. Based on the magnetic field analysis and the Jiles–Atherton model, we analyze the SGMA magnetization model, simplify the traditional model, and give a solution for the simplified model using the Runge–Kutta method. We analyze the eddy current loss of the SGMA, and according to Bessel’s equation and the Kelvin function, we calculate the relationship among eddy current loss, GMM rod radius, and magnetic field frequency. By analyzing the inherent hysteresis of GMMs, a hysteresis loss model of the SGMA is established in this paper. We also calculate the coil impedance and obtain the coil loss model. Based on the loss model, the SGMA cooling system is designed. Based on the above analysis, we design a SGMA prototype, set-up the corresponding experimental platform, and conduct the necessary experiments. The experimental results show that the SGMA responds well to different signals, but as frequency increases, attenuation, deformation, and hysteresis become more pronounced, which verifies the amplitude and phase changes caused by various losses in the theoretical analysis. The experiment also observes the temperature rise of the oil-cooled SGMA at different frequencies, indicating that the cooling system can effectively control the temperature change of the SGMA, which validates the foregoing analysis. Full article

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20 pages, 2761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Compensation of a Bimorph Type Piezoelectric Actuator Exhibiting Odd-Harmonic Oscillation and Frequency-Dependent, Interleaved Hysteresis

by Kohei Morita, Fumitake Fujii and Kazune Hosoda

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020036 - 05 May 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4364

Abstract

This paper proposes an improved version of the play model for capturing the frequency-dependent hysteresis of a bimorph piezoelectric actuator that includes odd harmonic oscillation and interleaved hysteresis. The proposed model used a single mathematical structure to capture the changes in the actuator [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an improved version of the play model for capturing the frequency-dependent hysteresis of a bimorph piezoelectric actuator that includes odd harmonic oscillation and interleaved hysteresis. The proposed model used a single mathematical structure to capture the changes in the actuator response observed with the increase in the input signal frequency. The refinements on the structure of the original play model for capturing the peculiar behavior of the bimorph piezoelectric actuator have been addressed in detail. The parameter identification has been conducted extensively for a range of 1 Hz to 110 Hz, which exceeds the resonance frequency specified by the manufacturer of the actuator. Improved modeling accuracy was confirmed as compared with our previous enhanced Bouc–Wen model based on the calculation of the fitness index. We also attempted to synthesize a hysteresis compensator based on direct inverse multiplication; the results of the experimental validation of the proposed control system are disclosed. Full article

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12 pages, 4104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Development of a Planetary Gearbox for Electromechanical Actuator Test Bench through Additive Manufacturing

by Pier Carlo Berri, Matteo D. L. Dalla Vedova, Paolo Maggiore and Guido Riva

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020035 - 01 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6598

Abstract

The development and validation of prognostic algorithms and digital twins for Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) requires datasets of operating parameters that are not commonly available. In this context, we are assembling a test bench able to simulate different operating scenarios and environmental conditions for [...] Read more.

The development and validation of prognostic algorithms and digital twins for Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) requires datasets of operating parameters that are not commonly available. In this context, we are assembling a test bench able to simulate different operating scenarios and environmental conditions for an EMA in order to collect the operating parameters of the actuator both in nominal conditions and under the effect of incipient progressive faults. This paper presents the design and manufacturing of a planetary gearbox for the EMA test bench. Mechanical components were conceived making extensive use of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing and off-the-shelf hardware in order to limit the costs and time involved in prototyping. Given the poor mechanical properties of the materials commonly employed for FDM, the gears were not sized for the maximum torque of the electric motor, and a secondary torque path was placed in parallel of the planetary gearbox to load the motor through a disc brake. The architecture of the gearbox allowed a high gear ratio within a small form factor, and a bearingless construction with a very low number of moving parts. Full article

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17 pages, 7104 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Self-Healing and High Interfacial Strength in Multi-Material Soft Pneumatic Robots via Reversible Diels–Alder Bonds

by Seppe Terryn, Ellen Roels, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche and Bram Vanderborght

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020034 - 30 Apr 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7777

Abstract

In new-generation soft robots, the actuation performance can be increased by using multiple materials in the actuator designs. However, the lifetime of these actuators is often limited due to failure that occurs at the weak multi-material interfaces that rely almost entirely on physical [...] Read more.

In new-generation soft robots, the actuation performance can be increased by using multiple materials in the actuator designs. However, the lifetime of these actuators is often limited due to failure that occurs at the weak multi-material interfaces that rely almost entirely on physical interactions and where stress concentration appears during actuation. This paper proposes to develop soft pneumatic actuators out of multiple Diels–Alder polymers that can generate strong covalent bonds at the multi-material interface by means of a heat–cool cycle. Through tensile testing it is proven that high interfacial strength can be obtained between two merged Diels–Alder polymers. This merging principle is exploited in the manufacturing of multi-material bending soft pneumatic actuators in which interfaces are no longer the weakest links. The applicability of the actuators is illustrated by their operation in a soft hand and a soft gripper demonstrator. In addition, the use of Diels–Alder polymers incorporates healability in bending actuators. It is experimentally illustrated that full recovery of severe damage can be obtained by subjecting the multi-material actuators to a healing cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pneumatic Soft Actuators)

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17 pages, 5495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design, Kinematics and Torque Analysis of the Self-Bending Soft Contraction Actuator

by Alaa Al-Ibadi, Samia Nefti-Meziani and Steve Davis

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020033 - 29 Apr 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5358

Abstract

This article presents the development of a self-bending contraction actuator (SBCA) through the analysis of its structure, kinematics, and torque formulas, and then explores its applications. The proposed actuator has been fabricated by two methods to prove the efficiency of the human body [...] Read more.

This article presents the development of a self-bending contraction actuator (SBCA) through the analysis of its structure, kinematics, and torque formulas, and then explores its applications. The proposed actuator has been fabricated by two methods to prove the efficiency of the human body inspiration, which represents the covering of human bones by soft tissues to protect the bone and give the soft texture. The SBCA provides bending behaviour along with a high force-to-weight ratio. As with the simple pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA), the SBCA is soft and easy to implement. Both the kinematics and the torque formula presented for the SBCA are scalable and can be used with different actuator sizes. The bending actuator has been tested under an air pressure of up to 500 kPa, and the behaviour of its bending angle, parameters, dimensions, and the bending torques have been illustrated. On the other hand, the experiments showed the efficient performances of the actuator and validate the proposed kinematics. Therefore, the actuator can be used in many different applications, such as soft grippers and continuum arms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pneumatic Soft Actuators)

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12 pages, 2942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chopstick Robot Driven by X-shaped Soft Actuator

by Kahye Song and Youngsu Cha

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020032 - 25 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6533

Abstract

Chopsticks are a popular tool used every day by 1.5 billion people to pick up pieces of food of different sizes and shapes. Given that the use of chopsticks requires sophisticated muscle control, they are difficult to use for unskilled people. In this [...] Read more.

Chopsticks are a popular tool used every day by 1.5 billion people to pick up pieces of food of different sizes and shapes. Given that the use of chopsticks requires sophisticated muscle control, they are difficult to use for unskilled people. In this study, a chopstick robot that uses a new soft actuator was developed. Firstly, we developed an X-shaped soft actuator and tested its performance. When a voltage was applied to the actuator, the gap in the X shape was reduced by the resulting electrostatic force. Conversely, when the power was turned off, the actuator recovered its original shape owing to the elasticity of its material. We attached the X-shaped soft actuator between the chopsticks. The chopstick robot, controlled by the input voltage, can pick up various objects in the switched-on state and is able to release them when switched off. We tested the performance of the chopstick robot and analyzed the forces acting on the chopsticks. The robot can be used for picking up various objects. Moreover, the X-shaped actuator can be adapted for use in various studies, through different shapes and configurations. Full article

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17 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interval Analysis of the Eigenvalues of Closed-Loop Control Systems with Uncertain Parameters

by Jing-Zhou Zhao, Guo-Feng Yao, Rui-Yao Liu, Yuan-Cheng Zhu, Kui-Yang Gao and Min Wang

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020031 - 21 Apr 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3436

Abstract

Uncertainty caused by a parameter measurement error or a model error causes difficulties for the implementation of the control method. Experts can divide the uncertain system into a definite part and an uncertain part and solve each part using various methods. Two uncertainty [...] Read more.

Uncertainty caused by a parameter measurement error or a model error causes difficulties for the implementation of the control method. Experts can divide the uncertain system into a definite part and an uncertain part and solve each part using various methods. Two uncertainty problems of the control system arise: problem A for the definite part—how does one find out the optimal number and position of actuators when the actuating force of an actuator is smaller than the control force? Problem B for the uncertain part—how does one evaluate the effect of uncertainty on the eigenvalues of a closed-loop control system? This paper utilizes an interval to express the uncertain parameters and converts the control system into a definite part and an uncertain part using interval theory. The interval state matrix is constructed by physical parameters of the system for the definite part of the control system. For Problem A, the paper finds out the singular value element sensitivity of the modal control matrix and reorders the optimal location of the actuators. Then, the paper calculates the state feedback gain matrix for a single actuator using the receptance method of pole assignment and optimizes the number and position of the actuators using the recursive design method. For Problem B, which concerns the robustness of closed-loop systems, the paper obtains the effects of uncertain parameters on the real and imaginary parts of the eigenvalues of a closed-loop system using the matrix perturbation theory and interval expansion theory. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the recursive design method to optimize the number and location of actuators and it also shows that the change rate of eigenvalues increases with the increase in uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators for System Identification, Vibration Analysis, and Control)

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10 pages, 3903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Haptic Stylus for Manipulating Virtual Objects in Mobile Devices

by Dong-Soo Choi, In-Ho Yun, Tae-Hoon Kim, SangKyu Byeon and Sang-Youn Kim

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020030 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5033

Abstract

In mobile devices, the screen size limits conveyance of immersive experiences; haptic feedback coupled with visual feedback is expected to have a better effect to maximize the level of immersion. Therefore, this paper presents a miniature tunable haptic stylus based on magnetorheological (MR) [...] Read more.

In mobile devices, the screen size limits conveyance of immersive experiences; haptic feedback coupled with visual feedback is expected to have a better effect to maximize the level of immersion. Therefore, this paper presents a miniature tunable haptic stylus based on magnetorheological (MR) fluids to provide kinesthetic information to users. The designed stylus has a force generation, force transmission, and housing part; moreover, in the stylus, all three operating modes of MR fluids contribute to the haptic actuation to produce a wide range of resistive force generated by MR fluids in a limited size, thereby providing a variety of pressing sensations to users. A universal testing machine was constructed to evaluate haptic performance of the proposed haptic stylus, whose resistive force was measured with the constructed setup as a function of pressed depth and input current, and by varying the pressed depth and pressing speed. Under maximum input voltage, the stylus generates a wide range of resistive force from 2.33 N to 27.47 N, whereas under maximum pressed depth it varied from 1.08 N to 27.47 N with a corresponding change in voltage input from 0 V to 3.3 V. Therefore, the proposed haptic stylus can create varied haptic sensations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Miniature and Micro-Actuators)

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18 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Two Stage Controller for a DC-DC Boost Converter to Harvest Maximum Energy from the PV Power Generation

by Asma Charaabi, Oscar Barambones, Abdelaziz Zaidi and Nadia Zanzouri

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020029 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4588

Abstract

In this article, an efficient and fast two-stage approach for controlling DC-DC boost converter using non linear sliding mode controller for a PV power plant is proposed. The control approach is based on two online methods instead of using the conventional combination of [...] Read more.

In this article, an efficient and fast two-stage approach for controlling DC-DC boost converter using non linear sliding mode controller for a PV power plant is proposed. The control approach is based on two online methods instead of using the conventional combination of online and offline methods to harvest maximum energy and deliver an output PV voltage with reduced ripples. The proposed two-stage maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control can be integrated into many applications such as hybrid electric vehicles. Simulation results compared with the standard approaches P&O prove the tracking efficiency of the proposed method under fast changing atmospheric conditions of an average 99.87% and a reduced average ripple of 0.06. The two-stage MPPT control was implemented involving the embedded dSPACE DSP in comparison to the classical P&O to prove the efficiency and the validity of the control scheme. The experimental set-up system was carried out on boost converter and programmable DC electronic resistive load to highlights the robustness of the proposed controller against atmospheric changes and parametric variation. Full article

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11 pages, 5572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Physical Design and Resonant Controller Based Trajectory Tracking of the Electromagnetically Driven Fast Tool Servo

by Imran Hussain, Wei Xia, Dongpo Zhao, Peng Huang and Zhiwei Zhu

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020028 - 12 Apr 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5334

Abstract

In this paper, a voice coil motor (VCM) actuated fast tool servo (FTS) system is developed for diamond turning. To guide motions of the VCM actuator, a crossed double parallelogram flexure mechanism is selected featuring totally symmetric structure with high lateral stiffness. To [...] Read more.

In this paper, a voice coil motor (VCM) actuated fast tool servo (FTS) system is developed for diamond turning. To guide motions of the VCM actuator, a crossed double parallelogram flexure mechanism is selected featuring totally symmetric structure with high lateral stiffness. To facilitate the determination of the multi-physical parameters, analytical models of both electromagnetic and mechanical systems are developed. The designed FTS with balanced stroke and natural frequency is then verified through the finite element analysis. Finally, the prototype of the VCM actuated FTS is fabricated and experimentally demonstrated to achieve a stroke of ±59.02 μm and a first natural frequency of 253 Hz. By constructing a closed-loop control using proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller with the internal-model based resonant controller, the error for tracking a harmonic trajectory with ±10 μm amplitude and 120 Hz frequency is obtained to be ±0.2 μm, demonstrating the capability of the FTS for high accuracy trajectory tracking. Full article

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19 pages, 4002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Point-to-Point Path Control in Actuator Space for Hydraulic Knuckle Boom Crane

by Konrad Johan Jensen, Morten Kjeld Ebbesen and Michael Rygaard Hansen

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020027 - 09 Apr 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8764

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for point-to-point path control for a hydraulic knuckle boom crane. The developed path control algorithm differs from previous solutions by operating in the actuator space instead of the joint space or Cartesian space of the crane. By [...] Read more.

This paper presents a novel method for point-to-point path control for a hydraulic knuckle boom crane. The developed path control algorithm differs from previous solutions by operating in the actuator space instead of the joint space or Cartesian space of the crane. By operating in actuator space, almost all the parameters and constraints of the system become either linear or constant, which greatly reduces the complexity of both the control algorithm and path generator. For a given starting point and endpoint, the motion for each actuator is minimized compared to other methods. This ensures that any change in direction of motion is avoided, thereby greatly minimizing fatigue, jerky motion, and energy consumption. However, where other methods may move the tool-point in a straight line from start to end, the method in actuator space will not. In addition, when working in actuator space in combination with pressure-compensated control valves, there is no need for linearization of the system or feedback linearization due to the linear relationship between the control signal and the actuator velocities. The proposed solution has been tested on a physical system and shows good setpoint tracking and minimal oscillations. Full article

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13 pages, 3897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Crawling Soft Robot Driven by Pneumatic Foldable Actuators Based on Miura-Ori

by Meng Yu, Weimin Yang, Yuan Yu, Xiang Cheng and Zhiwei Jiao

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020026 - 09 Apr 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 9884

Abstract

Origami structures are highly demanded for engineering applications. Using origami folding to design and actuate mechanisms and machines offers attractive opportunities. In this paper, we design a crawling robot driven by pneumatic foldable actuators (PFAs) based on Miura-ori, according to the parallel foldable [...] Read more.

Origami structures are highly demanded for engineering applications. Using origami folding to design and actuate mechanisms and machines offers attractive opportunities. In this paper, we design a crawling robot driven by pneumatic foldable actuators (PFAs) based on Miura-ori, according to the parallel foldable structure and different control patterns, which can perform different movements. The PFA inspired from Miura-ori is composed of a folding part, transition part, and sealing part, made by flexible materials and a paper skeleton. This actuator can obtain a large deformation by folding under negative pressure due to its own characteristics, and the relationship between deformation and pressure is analyzed. According to the different folding and unfolding times of left and right actuators, the crawling robot can perform both linear and turning movements. The speed of the robot is about 5 mm/s and it can turn at a speed of about 15°/s. The crawling robot uses the ability of the foldable structure to cope with the challenges of different environments and tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pneumatic Soft Actuators)

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14 pages, 2272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Modeling of Twisted and Coiled Polymer Artificial Muscles Based on Elastic Rod Theory

by Chunbing Wu and Wen Zheng

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020025 - 07 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8542

Abstract

Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) can generate large stroke and output high power density, making it a promising artificial muscle. Thermally induced muscles fabricated from nylon or other polymer fibers can be used in robotic, biomedical devices, and energy-harvesting equipment. While fibers with [...] Read more.

Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) can generate large stroke and output high power density, making it a promising artificial muscle. Thermally induced muscles fabricated from nylon or other polymer fibers can be used in robotic, biomedical devices, and energy-harvesting equipment. While fibers with different shapes and materials have different optimal process parameters. Understanding mechanisms of TCP forming and the impact of process parameters is critical to explore stronger, more powerful artificial muscles. In this paper, an elastic-rod-theory-based model was established for capturing the quantitative relationship between tensile actuation and fabrication load. Further experimental results agree with model calculation and TCP muscles used in our research reaches maximum stroke of 52.6%, strain up to 9.8 MPa, and power density of 211.89 J/kg. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Actuators 2020)

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27 pages, 5301 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A New Non-Invasive Air-Based Actuator for Characterizing and Testing MEMS Devices

by Abbas Panahi, Mohammad Hossein Sabour and Ebrahim Ghafar-Zadeh

Actuators 2020, 9(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/act9020024 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5811

Abstract

This research explores a new ATE (Automatic Testing Equipment) method for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices. In this method, microscale aerodynamic drag force is generated on a movable part of a MEMS sensor from a micronozzle hole located a specific distance above [...] Read more.

This research explores a new ATE (Automatic Testing Equipment) method for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices. In this method, microscale aerodynamic drag force is generated on a movable part of a MEMS sensor from a micronozzle hole located a specific distance above the chip that will result in a measurable change in output. This approach has the potential to be generalized for the characterization of every MEMS device in mass production lines to test the functionality of devices rapidly and characterize important mechanical properties. The most important testing properties include the simultaneous application of controllable and non-invasive manipulative force, a single handler for multi-sensor, and non-contact characterization, which are relatively difficult to find with other contemporary approaches. Here we propose a custom-made sensing platform consisting of a microcantilever array interconnected to a data acquisition device to read the capacitive effects of each cantilever’s deflection caused by air drag force. This platform allows us to empirically prove the functionality and applicability of the proposed characterization method using airflow force stimuli. The results, stimulatingly, exhibited that air force from a hole of 5 µm radii located 25 µm above a 200 × 200 µm² surface could be focused on a circular spot with radii of approximately 5 µm with surface sweep accuracy of <8 µm. This micro-size airflow jet can be specifically designed to apply airflow force on the MEMS movable component surface. Furthermore, it was shown that the generated air force range could be controlled from 20 nN to 60 nN, approximately, with a linear dependency on airflow ranging from 5 m/s to 20 m/s, which is from a 5 µm radius microhole air jet placed 400 µm above the chip. In this case-study chip, for a microcantilever with a length of 400 µm, the capacitance curve increased linearly from 28.2 pF to 30.5 pF with airflow variation from 5 m/s to 21 m/s from a hole. The resultant curve is representative of a standard curve for testing of the further similar die. Based on these results, this paper paves the way towards the development of a new non-contact, non-invasive, easy-to-operate, reliable, and relatively cheap air-based method for characterizing and testing MEMS sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers to Celebrate the SCIE Coverage)

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Actuators, Volume 9, Issue 2 (June 2020) – 23 articles

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